Saltine Cracker Toffee

Almost ten years ago, my husband and I moved into our house. Our court was built amongst older homes, since it was one of the few empty lots left in the city. With that, all of the neighbors were new and we quickly moved in one by one. With any new development, the first year is spent getting to know one another socially.

One of my neighbors moved here from Atlanta and quickly we realized that we both shared a passion for cooking and entertaining. With her southern roots now planted in the Bay Area, she had great recipes to share. One such recipe was this Saltine Cracker Toffee. I was amazed how easy yet incredibly delicious and simple it was. I had altered the original recipe to decrease the butter which cut out “some” calories along with making the whisking process a bit easier.

This has been a favorite for a number of years among family, friends and co-workers. Speaking of co-workers, there seems to be an affinity for cooking and baking. One day, Denise and I were talking about candy making and she shared her experience with making toffee. I have yet to make it the traditional way. I then shared my quick and easy way with saltines. We decided to have a “toffee-off” at the office. No contest or prizes were part of this toffee off – just the satisfaction of tasting great toffee done two ways.

I must say, every person enjoyed both toffees and appreciated the uniqueness of both. It was a great way to add some fun to the office and get a bit of sugar high throughout the day.

Saltine Cracker Toffee

1 ½ c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
35 saltine crackers
12 oz. Dark chocolate chips
1/2 c. Chopped and toasted pecans

Spray a large cookie sheet with your favorite non-stick spray. Place crackers in a 5 by 7 row close together to form bottom layer. In a 4 quarter Pyrex measuring cup, place butter and brown sugar, heat on high in the microwave for 5 minutes. Remove from microwave and whisk with a whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until light, creamy and well combined.

Spread evenly over crackers with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 13 minutes. Remove and push together the cracker together before sprinkling with chocolate chips evenly over top. Wait a few minutes, and then spread with spatula. Sprinkle with nuts. Cool in refrigerator. Break into pieces. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results.