Have you had a long day? Let’s make a sweet and salty snack that pairs great with an adult beverage to unwind! The world calls it “Saltine Crack” our family calls it “Nan’s Surprise!” (Thanks Aunt Nan!)

No matter how you slice it, this is the perfect late night snack after a long day of adulting! Here’s what you’re going to need:

Saltine Crack (aka “Nan’s Surprise!”)

Ingredients:
1 sleeve of saltine crackers
1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Salt- to taste (NEVER OPTIONAL)
1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
1 cup slivered almonds or other chopped nuts (optional)

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Line a 9×13″ pan with foil and a lightly greased piece of parchment paper. Do not skip this step. While it may seem excessive, it makes a difference! You will thank me later.

Line the pan with your crackers so that it forms a single layer. This is the foundation of your snack. In a medium sized sauce pan, melt the brown sugar and butter together. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Allow it to boil for about 3 minutes. Keep your eye on this because if you don’t it could either boil over the edge creating a terribly sticky mess that is almost impossible to clean up (speaking from experience) OR it could burn creating another disappointing mess that will cause frustration and angst in the midst of your hanger. After 3 minutes of boiling, turn off the heat and pour the mixture over your crackers as evenly as possible.

Place the caramel covered crackers in the oven and allow to bake for 13-15 minutes. The mixture will be bubbly and look toffee like (don’ touch!). Keep a close eye during this step to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Remove from the oven and carefully sprinkle the chocolate chips over the surface of the caramel crackers as evenly as possible. Allow the chocolate chips to sit for 5 minutes then using an offset spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly across the caramel till it is completely covered. If using, sprinkle the slivered almonds on top of the wet chocolate. Sprinkle coarse kosher or Coarse Sea Salt over the surface of the chocolate…THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLY LIFE CHANGING!

Allow your saltine crack to set by placing in the freezer. Your snack will be done when the surface of the chocolate is hard. Once it is ready, take the caramel crackers out of the pan and place on a clean, hard surface good for cutting. Break it apart using a sharp knife or cooking mallot- choose your own adventure. Enjoy immediately with a glass of wine or coffee or tea!

These keep best wrapped up in the freezer for about a week, if it lasts that long!

Be sure to check out the video on my Janie-Jean YOUTUBE channel!

CHEERS!