Christmas Crack

Every year, I make homemade snacks and cards to give to the boys' teachers and Sean's therapists. Even with a broke arm, I wanted to keep up my tradition. I heard about a really easy candy to make, called Christmas Crack, and found a new candy love! If I can make it one-armed, you can make it too! Plus, it's very quick to make so you have plenty of time to get it done.

First, put yourself in the mood: pop in some Christmas music and pour a glass of eggnog.



Then gather up what you need, here's the recipe:

Christmas Crack

1 sleeve saltine crackers
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 package chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

*I am making a double batch in these photos, so that's why it made so much!*

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and line a 10" x 15" with foil (the kind of sheet that has raised edges!).  Spray with Pam, or grease VERY lightly with butter.  Cover the cookie sheet with a single layer of saltines. 



Bring butter and brown sugar to a boil.  Boil for 3 minutes, stirring with a whisk. 




Pour over the saltines, and try to spread it as evenly as possible.  Place in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. 



When you remove it, the caramel mixture will be molten and boiling; allow to cool about 3 min, or until you can see the crackers distinctly, which will have shifted while baking.  Push them back into order with a fork or knife. 



Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the toffee and let sit for about 5 minutes to melt.  Once melted spread chocolate evenly. 



If desired, sprinkle on pecans and press lightly into the chocolate. 



Let cool a bit and then transfer to fridge to harden. Once hard, break the candy into small pieces and place in containers.



I tried to get the boys to help me make cards for these. Aidan made one for his teacher, then quit. Sean got distracted with the scissors and didn't want to help stick the foamies down. Oh well!



I posted about this on Facebook and heard that some people make it with Ritz crackers (yumm-oh!) and others topped it with shredded coconut instead of pecans. Good ideas!

Sean had so much fun delivering them to his teachers today! He carried the gift bag full of treats inside all by himself and handed out the cards & treats. He even signed 'candy' to them as he gave them out. I look forward to hearing how Aidan's teacher liked his gift. Next year, Sean won't have as many to give out in Kindergarten and Ella won't be in preschool so I will have less to make. Maybe they will want to help a little more, too.