Christmas Crack Candy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 40-50 saltine crackers (about one sleeve)
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), optional
• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet:
   • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Arrange Saltine Crackers:
   • Place the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the crackers cover the entire surface.
4. Make Toffee Mixture:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens and turns a caramel color.
5. Pour Over Crackers:
   • Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers, ensuring that all crackers are coated.
6. Bake:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbling.
7. Add Chocolate Chips:
   • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee-covered crackers. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt.
8. Spread Chocolate:
   • Once the chocolate chips have softened, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee layer.
9. Add Nuts and Salt:
   • Sprinkle chopped nuts over the melted chocolate. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of sea salt flakes over the top for a sweet and salty flavor.
10. Chill:
    • Allow the Christmas Crack Candy to cool completely. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or until the candy is fully set.
11. Break Into Pieces:
    • Once set, break the Christmas Crack Candy into pieces. The irregular shapes add to its charm.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Arrange the pieces on a festive plate and serve. Enjoy the sweet, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness!