Graham Crackers: A Local Invention

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - Believe it or not, graham crackers made their way into the Pioneer Valley as a way to cure alcoholism and help with abstinence, but these days, they're just a delicious treat.  We're going to jazz up the traditional treats and tell you how the graham cracker has roots right here in the Pioneer Valley with Mo McGuinnness and Bonnie Burnham from Sylvester's Restaurant. 

Sylvester Graham Bites

2 packages of Graham Crackers (9 per pack)

6 oz. of Butter

¾ cup Brown Sugar

2 cups Bittersweet Chocolate pieces

1 ½ cup mixed nuts (pieces not whole)

12 x 18  inch baking pan with sides

Instructions:

 ~ Line a baking pan with tin foil, pressing into the sides and corners and overlapping the pan sides to secure. Spray well with baking spray.

 ~ Melt the butter on low and then add the brown sugar, whisking until mixed and thickened about 1 minute. You can turn the heat up a little to quicken this process. Set aside.

~ Line the foiled baking pan with graham crackers, being careful to keep them close together, cutting off some to fit the pan.

~ Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture over crackers and spread with a spatula to cover, being careful not to disturb the grahams.

~ Bake in 350 degree oven for just 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle chocolate pieces on top.

Place back in oven for just 1 minute. Remove and using spatula spread chocolate to cover. Sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate and chill for 20 minutes.

~ Remove from refrigerator and let sit 5 minutes. Pull foil and Bites out of pan and cut to your desired size. Be prepared, they will often break in their own way!

Sylvester's Restaurant

111 Pleasant Street  

Northampton

(413) 586-5343