Instructions: Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Scatter the almonds in a jelly roll pan, and toast until golden, about 10 minutes. Set almonds aside, but leave the oven on.

2. In a food processor, grind the cookies until they are coarse crumbs.

Transfer crumbs to a bowl, and stir in the flour. Stir in the melted butter, and toss to moisten. Butter the bottom of a springform pan, leaving the sides unbuttered. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the pan. Bake until set, about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool. When crust has cooled, place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

3. In a large saucepan, combine the butter or margarine, sugar, water, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Cook uncovered, without stirring, over medium heat until it caramelizes, about 8 minutes. Remove the caramel from the heat, and stir in the vanilla, almond extract, and 3 cups of the almonds. Pour the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13 inch pan, and set aside to cool.

4. Spread melted chocolate over the cooled toffee. Immediately sprinkle with 1 cup almonds. Freeze for 1 hour, or until firm. Turn the toffee out onto a work surface, and break it into 1/2 inch pieces.

5. Let the ice cream soften very slightly in a large bowl. Stir briefly, just until malleable. Fold in the toffee. With a large rubber spatula, spread the ice cream into the crust. Top with the remaining almonds. Place the pie in the freezer. When it has firmed up slightly, cover the top with plastic. Freeze until firm, about 6 hours. Place the pie in the refrigerator to soften about 20 minutes before serving. Run the tip of a knife around the sides of the pie to loosen. Carefully remove the spring form pan. Cut into wedges with a knife dipped in hot water.

Makes 1 - 10 inch pie

This is an easy pie to make, with spectacular results. Make sure to use the best ice cream to get the best flavor: I like Starbucks coffee flavor, and Ben and Jerrys.

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