Last month, a great group of bloggers started our monthly “Lazy Susan” post, where nine bloggers share a favorite recipe based on a central theme.  This month’s theme: cookies!  What better way to start off December than with some butter and sugar, right?  Have a look-see at my favorite recipe below, then cruise on over to Gretchen’s blog for more tempting noms.

Known around our home as “Christmas Crack,” this recipe is easy, quick, and feels “fancy,” which makes it the perfect DIY homemade gift.  I assure you, however, there is nothing fancy about this favorite saltine toffee recipe, which consists of only 5 ingredients.  If you want my advice, make a ton, gift it to friends and neighbors, and don’t whisper a word about it’s measly origins.  It will be our little secret.

Ingredients

• 4 oz (one sleeve) saltine crackers
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cups sliced almonds (or another nut, if you prefer)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Spread almonds evenly on a cookie sheet and toast in oven until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Line a second cookie sheet with aluminum foil and arrange crackers in a single layer on the sheet.
4. In a large saucepan heat butter and brown sugar over medium heat and boil for 3 minutes.  Pour over the saltines and spread evenly.  Bake for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Let stand for 5 minutes.  Using a rubber spatula, spread chocolate chips evenly and sprinkle with almonds (or desired topping).
6. Cool completely, remove foil (can be tricky) and break in to pieces.  Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

For more great cookie and candy recipes, visit Gretchen Davis’ blog for her take on a tasty holiday treat.