Super Saltines

     Everyone loves a good crunchy snack (or at least they should).  Whether it's sweet, savory, or salty, the best foods make a sound when you bite.  For "snacky" people like me, saltine crackers are on the bottom of that food list.  Although they have the desired crunch and saltiness, saltines are tasteless and dry otherwise.  But, at the same time, they're cheap, easy to find, and a much healthier option to chips and other fried snacks.  Here is a recipe to help satisfy the snack-lover in us all (and help cut down on the grease and fat).

Super Saltines

Ingredients: 

Two sleeves of unsalted saltine crackers

1/2 package of ranch seasoning

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.  In a small bowl whisk together oil and seasonings.  In a large bowl (I use my large soup pot :) ), combine crackers and oil mixture.  With clean hands, gently stir so that each cracker gets some seasoning.  Spread crackers out on a cookie sheet (you may need two) in a single layer.  Bake for 15 minutes.  After 10 minutes, I check and shake the cookie sheet a little to make sure the crackers aren't burning.  Let these cool after baking, then move into an air tight container.  Enjoy!

     This recipe is great for variations and playing with different flavors (just like those weird chip flavors!).  You will always need the saltines and the oil, but everything can be substituted.  I have tried a chili powder, salt, and lime (juice and zest) version.  They were delicious and a perfect pair with Mexican chicken chili.  I'm thinking that a Montreal Steak seasoning would be excellent also.