Food Gifts

As I mentioned in Wednesday's Works for Me Wednesday post, one of the gifts that I have found to be both personal and practical for teachers is a fancy holiday plate piled with homemade cookies and candies.

Two of my favorite (and super easy) to include are my Mint Chocolate Cookies and Brutzel Bars.

Both are super easy, as they start with a cracker base. The Mint Chocolate Cookies are very similar in taste and delivery to the Girl Scout Thin Mints. I'm not sure what I would compare the Brutzel Bars to, but I know that they are addictive. There is just something about the way the butter and sugar caramelize combined with the salty crispy base and the milk chocolate top that keeps me wanting more.

Brutzel Bars
1 Sleeve Butter Crackers (Club)
1 cup Butter
1 cup Granulated Sugar
12 oz Milk Chocolate Chips

Line a 10x15 pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Arrange crackers in a single layer over the foil.

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and sugar. Bring to a boil. Boil for one minute and then, gently pour over the crackers. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over top. Wait 2 to 3 minutes, until chips begin to melt and then carefully spread melted chocolate over the top.

Cool and refrigerate for a few hours. Remove from refrigerator and break into bars following cracker lines as a guide.

For more ideas on great food gifts, check out the Ultimate Recipe Swap over at Life As Mom.

For more recipes, check out the Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap.