T H E STA P L E
SALTINES
POLLY WANT A CRACKER?
Go to realsimple. com/saltine for a quick how-to video on making Spicy Parmesan Crackers.
They’re a trusty companion for tomato soup and tummy aches. But these squares can be wilder than that. Crush them up and they’re (better than) bread crumbs. Cover them in chocolate and almonds and you’ve got a salty-sweet, nearly criminal dessert. 3 QUICK IDEAS
Dark chocolate bark
T H E R E A L I ST
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Add a single layer of saltines (about 48). Boil 1 cup each butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes over medium, whisking constantly. Pour over the saltines. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Sprinkle with 12 oz. dark chocolate chips, let melt, then spread. Top with 1 cup chopped, toasted almonds; chill. Break into pieces.
Spicy Parmesan crackers Combine ¼ cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan, ¾ tsp. paprika, and ¼ tsp. cayenne. Toss with 36 saltines until well coated. Bake on a parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Quick meatballs
Written by Heath Goldman Recipes by Paige Grandjean Photograph by Danny Kim
OCTOBER 2016
36
REALSIMPLE.COM
S T Y L I N G BY B L A K E R A M S E Y
Combine 1 lb. ground beef, 2 lightly beaten eggs, ½ cup crushed saltines, ¼ cup grated onion, 2 tsp. chopped garlic, and 1 tsp. salt. Shape into 24 2-in. balls. Heat 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook the meatballs, turning often, until cooked through.
