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Christmas Crack

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NUTCRACKER SWEETS AT MOONGLOW, the fourth book in the Moonglow Christmas novella series by Deborah Garner, is a delectable holiday story! While it’s not a mystery, it is a cozy read that imbues the reader with Christmas spirit. I was immediately drawn to the book by the cover… it’s probably one of my favorite holiday covers because I so enjoy the story of the Nutcracker. I greatly appreciate the bits of history surrounding this famous ballet that the author weaves into the tale. Once I started reading the book, I loved it even more because of the special way the Nutcracker ballet was woven in. I’ve been taking my granddaughter to see the Nutcracker ballet every December for 12 years now. No matter how hectic the season may be, we each make a huge effort to schedule the date months in advance so we don’t miss out. The ballet not only brings us the seasonal story but reaffirms that this is our special time together, not only creating a tradition but reliving our past experiences together. Ms. Garner so eloquently has the protagonist say in the book, “Memories are part of the magic of holidays.” And that is so very true. I look forward to reading the Moonglow Christmas stories each and every holiday because they are such a sweet way to get into the spirit of the season!

And speaking of sweets, there are the recipes at the back of the book… oh my, so many mouthwatering recipes! Timberton Hotel, the setting where the protagonist, Mist, works, hosts an annual Cookie Exchange party. I love how Ms. Garner weaves in several of the recipes that her fans provide for the book, including yours truly. My recipe for Christmas Crack is included and I’m happy to share it with you. Part candy, part cookie, and oh so addicting! The crispy saltine cracker base (different, I know!) provides a canvas for an easy toffee candy sauce. Then a layer of chocolate coats the toffee and lastly toffee candy pieces garnish the top for additional flavor and crunch. This has become an annual treat and one that has everyone asking for the recipe! From my family to yours, wishing you a sweet and merry Christmas!

 

Christmas Crack is part candy, part cookie, starting with a crispy saltine cracker base layered with a toffee sauce, chocolate and toffee candy pieces.

 

Amazon Synopsis

The small Montana town of Timberton tends to bring magic to the holidays, especially for guests of the local hotel. Resident artist and chef Mist has a way of touching people’s lives with exquisite cuisine, imaginative art, and her own ethereal nature.

When a nearby theatre burns down just before Christmas, cast members of The Nutcracker arrive at the Timberton Hotel with only a sliver of holiday joy. Camaraderie, compassion, and shared inspiration combine to help at least one hidden dream come true. As with every Christmas season in Timberton, this year’s guests will face the New Year with a renewed sense of hope.

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Deborah Garner for providing a winner with their choice of print or an e-book copy of NUTCRACKER SWEETS AT MOONGLOW. Contest ends Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 11:59 pm PST and print is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Crack is part candy, part cookie, starting with a crispy saltine cracker base layered with a toffee sauce, chocolate and toffee candy pieces.

Print
Christmas Crack
Ingredients
  • 1-1/4 sleeves saltine crackers (about 50 crackers)
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 (12-ounce) package chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
  • 1 (8-ounce) package toffee pieces
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F)

  2. Line a baking sheet with foil.

  3. Lay the saltine crackers on the baking sheet, arranging so no space remains between the crackers. It's okay to break the crackers into pieces to fit as needed.

  4. Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat then add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and boil for 4 minutes. 

  5. Immediately pour over the saltine crackers and using a spatula, make sure all the crackers are covered with the mixture. 

  6. Bake for 7 - 9 minutes, or until bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top and return to the oven for 1 minute.

  7. Remove from the oven and using a spatula, spread the chocolate over the tops of the crackers. Make sure the chocolate covers the entire surface.

  8. Sprinkle the toffee pieces over the top of the melted chocolate.

  9. Cool to room temperature for 30 minutes then place in the refrigerator for 30 - 60 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.

  10. Remove the Christmas Crack from the pan and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. 

Christmas Crack is part candy, part cookie, starting with a crispy saltine cracker base layered with a toffee sauce, chocolate and toffee candy pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

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Christmas Crack is part candy, part cookie, starting with a crispy saltine cracker base layered with a toffee sauce, chocolate and toffee candy pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 

 

I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Christmas Crack is part candy, part cookie, starting with a crispy saltine cracker base layered with a toffee sauce, chocolate and toffee candy pieces.

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55 thoughts on “Christmas Crack”

  1. I really enjoy this series and I am glad there is this new one for Christmas.
    I haven’t done a cookie exchange in very many years. I do love baking them!
    Thank you for giving away a copy of this book.

  3. Not a real exchange. We bake cookies and they are distributed to the men & women service members at our local base. They call it it an exchange. We get smiles in return and it’s wonderful.

  4. There’s no one in the complex we live in who does it and my two daughters do all the baking these days. I tell them both what we want and they decide which of them will do it.

    I don’t have the patience to do any baking anymore. My forte is soup. I make it in a 20 qt cauldron and the two closest kids raid my freezer for it.

  6. I have never been to a Christmas cookie exchange, but they sound like so much fun (and so delicious!). This Christmas Crack would be a wonderful novelty cookie!

  7. I’m looking forward to trying the recipe, and reading some of your books over the holiday break.

  8. I haven’t participated in a cookie exchange in many years. It used to be a wonderful seasonal tradition with my co-workers and I think the most unusual I had made back then was the date filling swirl cookies. But I moved and have not found or fallen in with friends who bake here.

    The book sounds like grand fun and I too love the Nutcracker ballet. Can’t say that I have seen it often but it have enjoyed it when there was an opportunity.

  11. I’ve never done a cookie exchange before. We just bake lots, put together cute Christmas tubs of goodies and give them to everyone, especially neighbors and friends.

  17. “Do you participate in a cookie exchange during the holidays?” No–alas I am always too far away from cookies!

  20. I participated in a cookie exchange and baked cookies for hours. When everyone got together to exchange, one of the girls brought packaged Oreos because she didn’t have time to bake. That was the last time I did a cookie exchange.

  21. I don’t participate in a cookie exchange. They’d go stale before I could eat them. I only eat two at a time max.

  22. No, I don’t do a cookie exchange but I do make cookies for our church program and for our own enjoyment. Thanks for sharing this recipe. It sounds delicious!

  23. Thank you for the wonderful information on “NUTCRACKER SWEETS AT MOONGLOW” by Deborah Garner as well as the recipe for Christmas Crack. I’d love the opportunity to read this book from my TBR list.

    I have participated in cookie exchanges in the past and really enjoyed it. Love to bake and share the bounty of my kitchen with others as well as learning about new recipes and getting to try them first before baking them. Since we have moved in a very small town, I haven’t found anyone that wanted to give it a whirl, but I’m not giving up. 🙂

    Thanks for the wonderful chance to win a print copy of the book.

  28. We do not participate in a “traditional” cookie exchange. Rather, we prepare all of the goodies that my husband’s grandmother used to: rum balls, icebox cookies, cheese wafers, pecan cups, and fudge and also prepare the very same spritz cookies (with the same cookie pressed I used as a kid with my grandma) and distribute to our friends and neighbors. Keeps the tradition alive.

  30. I have participated in cookie exchanges many years ago – they were fun and we all got a variety of cookies.
    The review above makes me want to check out this new to me author. Prefer print book if I win. ?

  32. I have only been invited to one cookie exchange party. I loved it. It’s a great way to get to try different cookies and exchange recipes.

  36. I used to participate in a cookie exchange when my children were young. I haven’t done one in years though. Thank you for the chance.

  38. I’ve never been part of a cookie exchange. But I love going to the Christmas bake sales and cookie walks to get a selection of cookies for the holidays and not do any baking.

  40. We have a cookie exchange at church for Christmas and and other holidays. Thanks for this interview and giveaway

  46. No I don’t I’m not really associated with anywhere that would do something like that I wish I was though LOL

  48. We do a family one where we all meet and bake cookies all day. Everyone brings ingredients and recipes for 2 or 3 cookies. We all bake all day…and get to take home some of each! We have so much fun with it!

  49. I did not participate in one this year. I have other years. A friend and I always spend a day baking cookies together in mid-November and we give away many of those cookies.

  50. I used to participate in a cookie exchange but since I was diagnosed with Stage Four Lung Cancer, I don’t have the energy to bake anymore.

    • Bless you, Angela! Sending all my good thoughts your way for strength as you battle such a horrible disease!!!

  53. I don’t have a cookie exchange this year but I love to participate. Thanks for the chance. Maceoindo(at)yahoo(dot)com

  54. I have never participated in a cookie exchange but I do participate in Secret Santa. Thanks for the chance to win your book! I love Christmas stories.

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