Holiday Crackers – A Tasty Hors-d’oeuvres for Busy Folks

Shared by Jana, a teacher colleague, about 10 years ago. Quick and easy, perfect task for busy teachers handling end of term stuff and the home front as well. Also a nice addition to a buffet table – not another sweet, but all the takers will definitely be back for refills.

* One box of saltine Crackers – I’m usually not a brand snob, but the brand names seem better in this

* Canola oil – I have used olive oil. Just as tasty.

*One pkg dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix

* Cayenne Pepper

Equipment:

One container large enough to hold whole box of crackers

Tight-fitting lid

Time:

One hour intermittent attention

Procedure:

Mix 1 cup canola oil and dressing mix thoroughly. ( Original recipe calls for

1 and 1/4 cups, but I have only used 1 cup because that’s all Jana used.)

( I have fudged and used a different brand of dressing mix, too. No problems)

Add cayenne pepper to taste…I used 1 and 1/2 tsp the first time. Stir well.

(I substituted Jamaican Jerk Rub (Pampered Chef) a few times and they were great.

Put a layer of crackers in the container. Pour some of oil over them, Shake

gently. Add another layer of crackers, more oil, etc, until all crackers in

container and last of oil has been poured on them.

Secure lid. Flip upside down. Shake a bit. Wait 15 minutes. Flip rightside

up, shake gently. Do two more times. Ready to serve.

PS. This 2015 season I have used only 3 tubes of crackers with the 1 and 1/4 cup of oil. Coverage seems better, still not soggy, which seems a conundrum. And they are tastier if prepared ahead of time and allowed to sit overnight.

About Teresa Pearson Lee

Retired after 33 years of teaching English and French (one year in private school in Memphis, TN and the rest in public school in Doniphan, MO. Enjoying new adventures - all those things I put off for lack of time, energy, now I can try them! Pottery, writing, traveling, camping, kayaking, dancing, listening to some of the best live music ever, and making lively new friendships. All christened with an appreciation for great red wine! Created and operated KC's on the Current, then sold it and managed it for new owners. You might still find me at the reservation desk when spring rolls around. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO near The Hill. Though a transplant to Southeast Missouri, still a city gal at the core with a deep love of the natural resources in these Ozark foothills. Currently I am a content coordinator for Poplar Bluff Living Magazine and a columnist/stringer for the local weekly The Prospect News. My rescue Siamese helps with most of the proofreading; he has a great ear. I relish the solitude easily had in the Mark Twain Forest but thoroughly enjoy lively outings for music, wine, conversation close to home or in my beloved hometown. Technology is my greatest challenge but so worth the shared connections. There may be a need for solitude but there is little loneliness. The material in this blog written by Teresa Lee is her property and cannot be used without express written consent to do so.

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