I had a leftover jar of buttermilk caramel sauce and couldn’t decide what to add it to, latte or cookie? Which is more important? Well they both are, right?

Lately I've really been craving Girl Scouts Samoas cookies. I considered making the actual cookies since there are tons of great recipes on the web. I have chocolate, coconut, and caramel on hand. But just couldn't bring myself to make a huge mess for that crunchy, buttery shortbread cookie base. The cookie is delicious but when it’s competing with caramel and toasted coconut it really just becomes a vehicle for the competing flavors.

But, again, that craving. I just needed a taste without the mess or effort. Then I had an idea… Ritz crackers!! And then the Almost Samoas were born! They’re flaky, they’re buttery, and they’re loaded with melted chocolate and a s big scoop of toasted coconut and caramel. They really did hit the spot and I didn’t have a big mess to clean up!

Try these and I think they may be on your lazy snack list in the future when a craving strikes.

You need:

Eight Ritz crackers (that # hit the spot for me!)

4 ozs chocolate chips

1 tbsp butter

shredded coconut

caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Toast the coconut on a sheet pan for 5 minutes at 350 degrees in the oven. Take it out just as it turns a light golden brown.

Heat the butter and chocolate for 30 seconds then stir well.

Arrange crackers on a pretty plate or cake platter.

Top with melted chocolate.

Mix the caramel and coconut together then put a big dollop on each cracker.

Enjoy!!