Grandma's Soda Cracker Candy (aka: Christmas Crack)

Grandma’s Soda Cracker Candy (aka: Christmas Crack)
Ingredients:

• 40 saltine crackers (1 sleeve)
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 (12 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350° degrees. Line ‘lipped’ baking sheet with parchment paper. Very lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Place crackers in single layer rows on baking sheet.
2. In large ‘deep’ saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together. Bring to a boil; boil 3 minutes – stirring frequently. The 3 minute time is pretty close – watch mixture closely to keep from scorching. The minute the sugar caramelizes and coats the spoon – it’s ready to remove from heat.  Immediately pour over crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
3. Place in oven - bake 5 minutes. Turn oven off. Remove baking sheet from oven -  sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers and return baking sheet to the oven for 4 - 5 minutes more or until chocolate chips melt.
4. Remove baking sheet from oven – immediately spread melted chocolate chips over top of crackers with spatula – spread into smooth layer.
5. If desired, sprinkle nuts over top of chocolate layer.  Place baking sheet in refrigerator for several hours for toffee/chocolate to set up. 
6. When hardened – remove from fridge and break into pieces. Can be stored in or out of fridge.

This recipe can also be found in Grandma Rosa's Kitchen Bakery Cookbook. Just look for it at www.amazon.com