Chocolate Toffee Squares to celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of another

It has been a little while since my last post, but I have been busy. Of course! Who isn't? I traveled to Maine over the weekend to celebrate my Mom's 65th birthday. It was fabulous time with great weather and the chance to visit with family that I haven't seen in a while. I have wonderful relatives including 3 nephews and a niece that are a constant source of entertainment. My niece's name is Emily and I don't think it is a coincidence that the first hurricane of the season the weather professionals are watching is Hurricane Emily. Just kidding, she's really sweet and extremely smart. No doubt, we're related!


Today was my last day at a job that I have worked at for 3 years. It was bittersweet to say good bye to so many wonderful people and friends that I have made over the past 3 years. But I am comforted in the fact that I am leaving to move on to a new and exciting position at a new company. I have a few days off before I start my new job, and I plan to spend my time relaxing and shopping! I'll probably fit in some cooking and baking, too, since those are my all time favorite pastime.


Tonight I am making Chocolate Toffee Squares to bring to some friends I haven't seen in a while when I visit them tomorrow on my first day off. This is a really easy recipe that has always been a big hit. I will give credit to my mother-in-law for sharing the recipe and technique with me. (though, I am sure she got the recipe from her friend, Karen...)


I hope you and your friends enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Enjoy!
 

Chocolate Toffee Squares

By: Nicole Bonfiglio

Ingredients:

Butter – 2 sticks

Sugar – ¾ cup

Saltines – 1 sleeve

Chocolate bits – 11.5 oz. bag

Chopped or diced walnuts – 1 cup

Preheat oven to 400°.

·        Line cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place 1 sleeve of crackers in one layer with the edges touching.

·        Once oven is heated, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 2 sticks of butter and ¾ cup of sugar.

·        Melt mixture in microwave, in 1 ½ minute intervals, stirring between intervals. (Heat in microwave until frothy- takes about 3 times in microwave. Be sure to watch it in microwave or you will end up with caramel!)  

·        Remove from microwave when melted and stir well.

·         Spoon butter and sugar mixture over crackers.

·        Put the cookie sheet in the oven for 5 minutes.

·        Remove from oven and quickly re-arrange crackers so that all crackers are touching.

·         Immediately cover crackers with chocolate bits.

·        Let bits partially melt, and then smooth over with knife or spoon, covering all the crackers.

·        Sprinkle with nuts as desired.

·        Remove squares from foil with a spatula and place individual squares on clean cookie sheet.

·        Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Remove from pan and arrange in muffin baking cups or wax paper.  Enjoy!

Makes about 30 squares.