Toffee Anyone?

Hello all...hope this finds you enjoying all sorts of yummy Christmas treats. I had a request to share my "toffee" recipe, so here goes.

I received this recipe from a co-worker way back from my days at Verizon and I've been making this recipe for 10 years now. Everyone always enjoys it and is amazed at how easy it is. One year I actually spent a lot of time making all sorts of beautiful and delicious Christmas cookies and treats and this was the one that everyone liked best...and, of course, it's the easiest...figures :)

I also love this recipe because you break it up to serve...very nice when you plan on shipping it...it doesn't matter if the cookies break :) Also nice when you're shipping around the world. I heard my brother was Big Man on Base when these arrived in Iraq.

You will need:
Saltine crackers
2 sticks of butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 package chocolate chips
1 cup nuts to top

Preheat oven to 350. Cover bottom of cookie sheet with the saltine crackers, salt side up. You may need to break up some to fill in the gaps. Heat brown sugar and butter in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes. Mix very well until they are completely blended. This will take a minute or two. Pour butter/brown sugar mix over the saltine crackers and spread to cover. Put in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and put any floating crackers back into place. Pour bag of chocolate chips over the crackers. Put back in oven for just a bit (less than a minute) to heat the chocolate chips so you can spread them over the top. Sprinkle with nuts. Refrigerate for at least a couple hours. Break up and ENJOY!

I've done lots of different toppings variations as well. I've used all sorts of different kinds of nuts, course ground sea salt, crushed peppermint candy (a favorite at Christmas), coconut, etc. How about some cranberries or other dried fruit or crushed up your-favorite-kind-of-candy? I've used white chocolate chips too and sometimes you can find flavored chocolate chips that might make a nice variation. I've also heard of using graham crackers instead of saltines...maybe I'll try that next :)

One other note: I use a cutting board to press my topping into the warmed chocolate layer...helps it stick a bit better.

Whatever variety you make, I can almost guarantee that it will be a hit!

Enjoy~
Rachel