Depression-era fried saltines (aka crackerflitters) are a satisfying way to get sweet crunch.

Serves: 12  Save  Share

Ingredients (6)

• 2 sleeves stale saltines
• Water
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 2 to 3 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions

1. Place saltines in large bowl; cover with water. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. When saltines are soggy, squeeze out water by hand. Combine (squeezed and drained) saltines, egg and vanilla, if using, and stir well with a fork.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon shortening over medium-high heat. When hot, drop spoonfuls of cracker mixture into skillet, shaping into 5-inch pancakes. Fry until brown and crispy on each side (about 3 minutes). Add more shortening to skillet if necessary. Serve hot with maple syrup. Makes about 12 flitters.

Crispy Fried Saltines

Depression-era fried saltines (aka crackerflitters) are a satisfying way to get sweet crunch.

Serves: 12  Save  Share

Ingredients (6)

• 2 sleeves stale saltines
• Water
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 2 to 3 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions

1. Place saltines in large bowl; cover with water. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. When saltines are soggy, squeeze out water by hand. Combine (squeezed and drained) saltines, egg and vanilla, if using, and stir well with a fork.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon shortening over medium-high heat. When hot, drop spoonfuls of cracker mixture into skillet, shaping into 5-inch pancakes. Fry until brown and crispy on each side (about 3 minutes). Add more shortening to skillet if necessary. Serve hot with maple syrup. Makes about 12 flitters.