This is an inexpensive recipe that satisfies a sweet tooth!  I always have the ingredients on hand in my pantry and my freezer.

The way I make the recipe even more frugal is that I use coupons, store specials, store brands, senior 5% off day and BOGO specials to my advantage.  The nuts are bought once a year at a special price (higher quality and lower price than supermarket) from a friend who sells them for an organization which provides college scholarships...I freeze them and use them throughout the year.  Butter is bought in bulk several times a year when it goes on sale...especially during holiday times.  I keep it in my freezer.

EASY TOFFEE SQUARES

1 cup dark or light brown sugar 

2 sticks of butter

1 12-oz. pkg. of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

1 pkg. saltine crackers 

3/4 cup of chopped pecan pieces (or your favorite nuts)

PAM spray (optional)

                                             *****************

     Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Using a non-stick cookie sheet or jelly-roll pan or regular pans coated with PAM spray, carefully arrange saltine crackers in a single layer on the bottom of the pan.  Crackers should be flat with sides touching.

     In a saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar.  Heat to a low boil and continue to boil for 3 minutes until thickened to a syrup consistency.  Pour the butter/brown sugar mixture evenly over the crackers.

     Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the hot crackers.  Return to oven for 3 to 5 minutes or until the chips are just melted. Remove from the oven and using a narrow spatula, spread the melted chocolate chips gently and evenly.  Sprinkle nuts evenly over the top of the chocolate.

     Cool completely and break apart to serve.

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Notes on making this recipe:

     To eliminate pan washing, one may use aluminum foil sprayed with PAM.

     For variety, one may  add the chopped nuts to the butter/brown sugar mixture just before pouring over the crackers and totally omit the chocolate.  The dark brown sugar gives a more classic "toffee" flavor than the light brown, but it is a matter of personal preference and either one may be used.  In fact, in a pinch, white sugar can be used with good results.  Another variation is to use graham crackers.  It gives a totally different flavor to the confection.  Any way you make them, they are quickly gobbled up!

     I also buy ice cream and whipped topping when they are on BOGO sales and combine with coupons and senior discounts.  These are stored in my freezer. The cookies are wonderful when served with ice cream or (vanilla) ice cream enhanced with a bit of a flavored liqueur (also on hand.)  Just use one's imagination!  Your guests will think you are a gourmet cook and you've only expended a little effort!

     These are a lovely hostess gift when placed in a colorful or seasonal tin!