Weeklight Spotlight: Easy Culinary Creations

As I am about to enter the workforce for the first time, I’ve discovered that encouragement can come from the most unlikely of sources. For example, I have an older brother. While it may not seem like much, being able to watch him make his way through life just a few years ahead of me has really been an advantage. It’s also motivated me to think about my future differently than other college seniors. He’s done some great things and made some mistakes, as I’m sure I will too. But either way he’s already given me a little taste of what the “real world” is like.

One thing I observed soon after he started his first job was the infamous “potluck luncheon” his office threw biweekly. You know these, it’s when each person in the office “involuntary volunteers” to bring something for the entire staff to enjoy. And while it does break the monotony and build rapport among employees, such events can be stressful for a young professional who is bending over backwards to make a good impression. Especially if, like most college kids, you’ve spent four years cooking nothing more than Easy Mac and ramen.

In trying to somewhat prepare for such an event, I have given instructions for one of my favorite easy, quick and tasty recipes – chocolate top saltine bars.

Here’s what you will need:

• 2 sticks butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup sugar
• saltine crackers
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, sprinkles, etc. (optional)

Here’s how you’ll do it:

• Line a 13 by 9 inch pan with foil and then saltines. Melt 1 stick of butter, ½ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the saltines and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Then repeat, adding another layer of saltines and another layer of butter, sugar and vanilla. Bake this at 350 degrees for five to eight minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and cover all of the saltines with chocolate chips. Next, let the chips melt and spread them evenly. Top the whole concoction with walnuts or sprinkles if you want. Chill it in the refrigerator, and then remove it and cut the cookies into pieces. Enjoy!

Simple and easy recipes like this are sure to be a hit at any office party or potluck luncheon. Find something that appeals to a variety of tastes and be aware of peoples’ allergies. For example, with the saltine bars, you may want to make some without walnuts, just in case. Finally, look at this as an entertaining opportunity to get to know your co-workers, rather than something that management makes you do once in a while.

Happy cooking and happy eating!

-Haley