A Southern Grace: ...and i'm back in the game!

September 8, 2009

...and i'm back in the game!

Yum

After two busts in a row, I found myself really needing some success in the kitchen. Choosing a dish in which caramel was involved might not have been the wisest move given its fickle nature, but it all worked out just splendidly.


Perhaps you recall my super-duper Terribly Terrific Toffee, the tasty little treat that made its debut around Christmas last year. If not, I must insist that you check it out this instant. Go ahead. I'll wait.

Pretty impressive, right? Well, imagine it DOUBLED. That's right. Twice the toffee, twice the chocolate, twice the calories, and twice the deliciousness.


The edges were clearly the best part--more chocolate, more caramel, more euphoria.

These delightful little bars are often referred to as homemade candy bars, and that's essentially what they are. Although they look a bit like fat Kit Kats or perhaps a mega Twix bar, my batch really tasted like a Snickers. I think I was a bit over-generous with the peanut butter, but I didn't hear any complaints. Or make any myself. Which is rare.

Twickers Bars
(based on this recipe)

40 or so saltine crackers
1 cup butter (no substitutions)
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup tightly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup butterscotch morsels
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening

Line an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an extension of foil on either end. Line the foil with one layer of saltine crackers.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, milk, and sugar. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. (Begin timing 5 minutes from when you see the first bubbles.) Remove from the heat and spread half of caramel mixture evenly over the crackers. Place another single layer of crackers over the caramel mixture. Spread the rest of the caramel mixture evenly over crackers and top with the remaining crackers.

In a small saucepan (or in the microwave), combine the peanut butter, chocolate morsels, butterscotch morsels, and shortening. Melt over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Pour and spread evenly over the top of crackers. Cover, and chill for at least 1 hour. Lift foil overhang and remove bars from pan. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

85 comments:

Barbara said...

Well, Grace, you "got back in the game" with a bang! Is there anything NOT to like in this recipe? (Except the calories) I agree: yummy, creamy, crunchy, gooey bliss.....

Amanda @ Mrs.W's Kitchen said...

Mmmmmm. Oh, it looks great. My blood sugar is spiking just looking at it... Fantastic, Grace. I'm definitely filing this away for some Christmas treats!

The Liberty Belle said...

Very impressive! This is one of those recipes that makes the mouth water just thinking about it. Of course your photograph made me want to lick my monitor.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

How does it feel to have your "mojo" back? These look so droolworthy.

Lindsey said...

One of my coworkers made your original toffee, and her family calls it crack. As in, you can't stop eating it. So this, well, this I might just have to try...it would be perfect for our housewarming party!

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I can imagine you in the kitchen punching the air and saying Goerge Costanza style "I'm back baby!". And how you are!

Susan @ SGCC said...

Wow! You're not just back in the game, you're in the Super Bowl with this one! Caramel, peanut butter and chocolate = a trifecta of decadence!

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

Those look amazing Grace! It is torture to look at them and not be able to taste!

lisa is cooking said...

Should not have looked before breakfast! Is it wrong to have a candy bar for breakfast?

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Wow, I'm drooling! That looks so wonderful!

Cheers,

Rosa

Gloria Baker said...

Grace, this look amazing and delicious, og Grace always I knew you are IN the game you cook delicious!!! gloria

Anonymous said...

What a decadent dessert, love the double deliciousness! Excellent!

Laura said...

Hoo boy those look good. I am not a huge toffee fan but maybe I am wrong.

Albany Jane said...

There is no such thing as too much peanut butter! Personally, I think you've just improved on the recipe. Yummmm.

Jennifer said...

That looks delish and easy enough that I might actually be able to make it!

Melanie said...

Ok, my main thought after reading your recipe is "Why didn't I think of that name!" Twickers is brilliant. I think I'll try these next time with saltines for sure.

Anonymous said...

love it! i'm so glad this is what you came back with. ;-) definitely gonna have to try it out.

Ingrid_3Bs said...

You're back and with a bang! That's a homerun! We love us some toffee. (Btw, I love the corners of anything.)
~ingrid

♥peachkins♥ said...

I can already see my name written on that Twickers bars

shaz said...

Ooh yeah... gimme some of that Twickers! Go get 'em Grace.

Hungry Dog said...

These look delicious, even if I suspect I might lose a few teeth eating one. It would be worth it. Nice job!

La Bella Cooks said...

You would have to use force to take these away from me. Ugh, hopelessly addictive!

Anonymous said...

Stand back, Grace is back!:) Chloe girl will love to make these!!!

The Blonde Duck said...

They sound out of this world!

Pam said...

Woman - you never cease to make me drool. It looks fantastic.

LilSis said...

I'm not even a sweet eater, but you're killin' me with these! Back in the day when I was able to eat chocolate, Twix was one of my favorite candy bars. These look amazing! Score!

Lyndas recipe box said...

You're "back in the groove",(not that you were really ever out), with these drool inducing caramel bars! I have to try these just for myself, but my family will love em too. A person could OD on these!

Susan said...

These look amazing! Of course, I thought your "faux pas" didn't look half bad either!!

oneordinaryday said...

Twickers...love the name. : ) This looks pretty yummy. I did a saltine thing a while back but I think yours sounds even better. It looks amazing too!
~Michelle

Zoe said...

Wow, I didn't think it could get any better!

L*Joy said...

great job! when you come back, you come back swingin'

Question: is the melted goodness that you pour over the saltines actually thin enough to pour or are you dealing with saltines sticking and sliding while you try to schmear the melted goodness? I am just trying to get a visual before I go get 'em too.

DessertObsessed said...

ahhhh that looks so good! and Twickers; what a cute name!!

jillian said...

These look over the top good- and pretty decadent!

Unknown said...

omg do those look great!

Sophie said...

Yum! The edges!!!! The edges of many desserts are always the first to go in my kitchen :D. Fantastic idea to pair these two ingredients!

Abby said...

Gotta agree that the edges are always my fave.

LOVE saltine desserts. So homey! So old-fashioned! So YUMMY.

Kathy Walker said...

Splendid! These look fabulous!

Robin said...

Holy Moly these look so good and are enough just for me, alone all alone. I will bookmark and try soon. Thanks Grace!

Foodie with Little Thyme! said...

WOW! GREAT JOB! Man that feels good I'm sure. Come by I have an award for you. Brings some cake with you when you come.

Velva said...

Can I come over and join you in enjoying a slice of cake and a cup of coffee? This looks fabulous!

Chef Fresco said...

Oh man! This looks delicious! Nice looking layers!

Delicious Dishings said...

Love the name! And I'm definitely believing you about twice the deliciousness... they look so gooey, luscious, and wonderful! Congrats on getting back in the game!

MaryBeth said...

OMG...YUMM-O, I think that says it all

Kate at Serendipity said...

Oh, my! These make me wish I could get saltines in Belgium. Now I am thinking of substitutions...

This one gets three yums up!

Emily said...

Yummm. These look amazing, Grace! I love that you used butterscotch chips. Those things are addicting! Although they make you thirsty.

Anonymous said...

damn right you're back!
those look amazing.

Boracay hotel said...

This looks really good. I'm really sure it's delicious. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Those look absolutely incredible - the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Thanks for the recipe.

pigpigscorner said...

You did it! Very impressive indeed!

Teanna said...

Let's just forget that they are *twice the calories* shall we? I'd LOVE a Twickers bar right now!

Paula said...

Ah, glad that you've got your game on! Your photos are absolutely splendid, even my sleepy morning eyes are popping out looking at them! And who could resist something named Twickers? I think I'll try to use that word today in conversation. Love the recipe, and I think I'll make this for my dad at Christmas time. Of course, I'll need to practice between now and then ... :-)

Dewi said...

Miammmm, looks so good, and hmmm can't really resist because it has butterscotch that I really like.

L*Joy said...

grace
thanks for getting back to me on my question! I am glad to hear that it is easily spreadable.
*

The Blonde Duck said...

I knew you would pick up on the chicken butt. :)

Jeff said...

Way to step back into the game! I hate failures and it sucks to get two in a row.

I will take twice the amount of them please.

vanillasugarblog said...

Yes! Tis the season for sweet & salty treats.
Bring
it
ON!

pam said...

I couldn't think of a better way to get back in the game!

Jennifer said...

I wish I could just reach through my screen and grab one of those!! YUM! What an amazing creation! I know one husband that will loveeeeeeeeeeee this! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

you and bars are what I come here for. you always have the best most interesting recipes for bars i love it.

Rebeca said...

Grrrrrrrrrrace

this post made me want to say a lot of words you're not supposed to say... YUM!

Sarah said...

These look amazing, I'm going to make them tomorrow :) One question, the recipe doesn't say what to do with the shortening? I'm guessing that it is just mixed with the morsels to make them more spreadable, is this where it should go? Thanks :)

Dee Light said...

Oh wow! Layer after yummy layer:)

Palidor said...

These look wonderful! And I think your banana bars turned out lovely too. You're too hard on yourself!

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Congratulations on your success. I have no problem with treats that has double the chocolate. Looks so good. :)

foodhoe said...

I love snickers bars, just imagine a home made gigantic one all to yourself. Looks and sounds delicious!

Chef Jeena said...

This looks SO GOOD! I would be licking the sides it looks so fabulous. Wish I could sink my teeth into this!

Shelly said...

OMG get outta my way cause I want to chow on a whole lot of these right now! Soooo good! I'd say these are proof you've got your mojo back :)

Lisa said...

Fantastic! How do these manage to sound so easy and look so good? Glad to hear you are back in the groove.

Lori said...

Oh my Grace, these are wonderful. My husband loves Snickers and I love Kit Kat- how could I go wrong. I sure would not complain about overly generous portions of peanut butter!

Peabody said...

Oh my, don't those look amazing. I love Twix. It could be bad to learn how to make these. ;)

Hornsfan said...

Grace these look so tasty - so much so that I might just have to go make up a batch!

Cyndy said...

OMG, I don't think you ever lost your Mojo. These are fantastic!!

darn near broke my finger reaching for one!

Thanks for the Eye Candy!

Cyndy

eatme_delicious said...

Ooo the crunchy layers look particularly awesome! I've been meaning to try making something like this with saltines. Looks soooo good and addictive.

Jaime said...

ack! I need to stop looking at your blog - I want these now too!!!

Kristen said...

Just found your blog, and boy am I glad I did! I have these cooling in my refrigerator right now, and I set my oven timer for an hour, because I can't wait to try them. Thanks for posting! :)

Nic said...

Jeez Grace, you know how to make someone drool!

Kerstin said...

Wow, what gorgeous candy! I love Snickers so I would be in trouble if these were around!

Meesh1957 said...

These look deadly! My Women's social club will love them. We have opposite situations, I am from Syracuse, NY (Central New York) and am living in the Heart of Dixie, Alabama! Love it and have no plans to leave it. Enjoy the snow... ewwwwww M :D

Anonymous said...

Goodness those look great!

Anonymous said...

I want to eat right from the blog, it looks so good. Do I dare say I will try it and eat all those calories along with the good taste.

Sugar said...

I just made these for a Christmas event at my in-laws' church and, though I was skeptical, the Southern Baptists went wild! So many people asked me for the recipe and wanted to know what created the "elegant" little crunchy layers. I love trying recipes from your blog - thanks!!!

grace said...

ha--my pleasure, sugar! mark this down as the first and probably last time saltines will be referred to as elegant! :)

Allie said...

This looks amazing!!! Definitely on my "must make" list now :)

Kiki said...

Thank you! I made something similar to these a few years ago but lost the recipe. Now I can make these for Christmas!!

Anonymous said...

Are the crackers salted or unsalted kind?