ENGLISH TOFFEE

1 3/4 cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup cream
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 tablespoon rum

Combine sugar, cream of tartar and cream in a large, heavy saucepan and stir over quick heat until the sugar is dissolved.  Stir and boil for about 3 minutes.  Add butter.  cook and stir the syrup until it is light colored and thick to the soft-crack stage, 280 - 290 degrees.  Remove from heat and add vanilla or rum.  Pour candy onto a buttered pan.  When cool, cut into squares.