Chocolaty Brickle Bites

Brickle is an amusing word.  It's origins are in the 13th century from the word brekyl, meaning crisp, brittle, crumbly, or flaky.  Modern day brickle brings to mind the crunchy toffee flavored candy we know as the Heath Bar. This quick little recipe comes from a 1994 cookie book lovingly stained with my greasy fingers. These delightful little bites are made with six simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. (Five ingredients if you don't like nuts). Once hooked on whipping up these tasty treats, it's fun to be innovative. If you have 30 minutes, you've got a winning chocolaty, toffee flavored treat.

Chocolaty Brickle Bites

Ingredients

• 35  (2-inch square) soda crackers (my favorite is Zesta)
• 1/2  cup unsalted butter
• 1/2  cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2  cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2  teaspoons shortening
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, pecans or almonds - optional

Directions

1. 1Heat oven to 350°F. Line 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges. Spray with cooking spray or generously grease foil. Arrange crackers, with sides touching, over bottom of foil-lined pan.
2. 2In small saucepan, combine margarine and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour evenly over crackers; spread quickly to cover. I use an offset spatula to spread the toffee evenly.
3. 3Bake at 350°F. for 6 to 8 minutes or until bubbly; cool completely.
4. 4In small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips and shortening, stirring constantly. Drizzle over cooled crackers or spread the chocolate with offset spatula. If desired, sprinkle nuts over chocolate. Let stand until set. Break into pieces between crackers.
5. For an innovative taste you can substitute graham crackers.  I love Honey Maid chocolate grahams.  You will use fewer crackers because they are larger, and the toffee won't 'soak' into the cracker as much as it does on the saltines, but who cares? Yum.