Snack Crackers

My Mom used to make seasoned oyster crackers - they were delicious!  I remember making them once when Bryant and I first got together, but it wasn't the same.  They just weren't as good.  As the years passed, my tastes developed a little more and I've come to realize that I really needed to make my own crackers.  I found about a million recipes, so I sorted through a few and took what I liked.  Then I made my own version.  Scooter could have easily eaten a whole batch by herself - she LOVED them!

Snack Crackers
18 oz oyster crackers (Pookie used to call them moisture crackers)
1/3 C vegetable oil
1 1/2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix (the powder)
1 tsp lemon pepper (or fresh ground pepper, if that's more your style)
1 tsp dried dill weed
1/2 tsp garlic salt

In a small bowl, combine the dressing mix, lemon pepper, dill weed and garlic salt.  Mix well and set aside.

In a very large bowl, combine the crackers with the oil, stirring well to coat.  Sprinkle on the seasoning mix and stir very well to make sure the flavors get evenly distributed. 

I don't know for sure how long these'll last because my kids had them gone in a heartbeat, but I would think they'd be fine up to a week.  Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.

This is a great recipe on so many levels - it's easy enough that anyone able to measure ingredients and use a spoon can make it.  It's a great one to tweak with your own seasonings and measurements.  Or, be like Bryant and don't measure a thing - just toss in a little of this and a little of that and make it different every time.  It's up to you. 

It travels relatively well, so it's a great one to make and portion out to take on day trips.  We  like to go walking in the woods or spend the afternoon at the park, weather permitting, and we're often gone several hours at a time.  In lieu of buying extra snacks or finding a drive-thru, I try to pack granola bars, small bags of crackers or boxes of raisins; whatever we happen to have on hand.  I think this would be perfect for those days. 

These would also be a good substitute for popcorn if you know someone with braces or who just doesn't like popcorn (I really don't know how that's even possible).  The only issue I could see is that your fingers will get a little "seasoned" so if you're going to play on the Wii or any other game system while eating these, you'll need to wipe down the controllers when you're done.

So the next time you see oyster crackers on sale, grab a few bags and make these delicious snack crackers - you'll be happy you did.