THE STAPLE

THE STAPLE

SALTINES

They’re a trusty companion for tomato soup and tummy aches. But these squares can bewilder than that. Crush them up and they’re (better than) bread crumbs. Cover them in chocolate and almonds andyou’ve got a salty-sweet, nearly criminal dessert.

POLLY WANT A CRACKER? Go to realsimple. com/saltine for a quick how-to video on making Spicy Parmesan Crackers.

3 QUICK IDEAS

Dark chocolate bark

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

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.

Written by Heath Goldman Recipes by Paige Grandjean Photograph by Danny Kim

Terms and limitations apply. See americanexpress.com/cashback. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. ± APR on purchases will vary based on the Prime Rate, currently 13.24% to 23.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. The following APRs also vary based on the Prime Rate and will be determined based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR for Balance Transfers requested within 30 days of account opening: 13.24% to 23.24%; APR for Cash Advances: 25.49%, Penalty APR: 29.49%. Variable rates accurate as of 04/27/2016. Cash Advance Fee: The greater of $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance. Balance Transfer Fee: The greater of $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer. Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to USD. 1. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Co., Phoenix, AZ and Tokio Marine Pacific Ins. Ltd., Hagatna, Guam. Help protect eligible purchases made on your Card with Purchase Protection (theft and accidental damage, up to 90 days from purchase, up to $1,000 an occurrence and $50,000 a year per Card account) and Extended Warranty (up to 1 year added to original U.S. manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less). Terms, exclusions & limitations apply. See americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. 2. Limited to 90 days from eligible purchase on your Card, up to $300 per item and $1,000 a year per Card account. Terms, exclusions & limitations apply.