Christmas Crack

This is so simple but delicious - and unbelievably popular at Christmas. It's a nice addition to Holiday Treat Gifts

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 40 cookies

Ingredients

• 35 -40  saltine crackers
• 1  cup butter
• 1  cup light brown sugar or 1  cup dark brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 8  ounces  semi-sweet chocolate chips or 1 1⁄3 cups  semi-sweet chocolate chips
•  nuts (optional) or   candy sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Line 1 large or 2 small jelly-roll pans with aluminum foil, spray with nonstick spray and arrange the saltines salt-side down in a single layer.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together and boil until it turns a caramel color, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and add one teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
4. Pour over the crackers, covering them evenly.
5. Put the pan into the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until just bubbly, watching carefully.
6. Remove from the oven and pour the chocolate chips over the crackers.
7. When the chips melt a bit, spread them over the crackers with a knife.
8. Cool completely. You can put the pan into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to get completely cold.
9. Break up into pieces. Store in an airtight container.