Has anyone bought saltine crackers lately?  We tried two super markets this week and couldn't find a square Premium saltine cracker in the place.  They were all round - in different packaging, and although I didn't check the weight vs. price, one gentleman I talked to told me he'd bought some of the round ones and they tasted awful.  He was hoping to find the square ones, too, but when he couldn't, he said he'd rather go without them.  I figured I wouldn't take a chance on them - I couldn't find the "hint of salt" ones I wanted, even as round crackers.  I may buy oyster crackers instead, but they really don't fit the bill when I want to layer a piece of cheese between two saltines for a snack.

I went on line and found out lots of consumers are complaining about the change.  We all know it's the manufacturer's way of making more money by changing the packaging and reducing the weight of product we're getting; but according to the complaints I read, that man I talked to at Price Chopper was right on - they've changed the formula and the crackers simply aren't the same.

There was a time I preferred round crackers, though.  I remember buying what my family always referred to as "St. Johnsbury Crackers" in bulk - out of a big wooden barrel.  They were about 2 inches across and nearly an inch thick - they broke apart just right so you could toast them on the stove or in a toaster and then slather real butter on.  My Grandfather Bolton used to break them up into a bowl of milk every night before he went to bed.  Sometimes he'd have a big hunk of cheddar cheese with them.  They were originally made in St. Johnsbury by the Cross Company, as I recall - and then the company moved to Montpelier.  I remember buying them at Hastings Store in West Danville - I think most country stores had barrels of crackers, and perhaps some still do.  I don't think those big old crackers were salted, though.  But I don't mind that - I just add a little salt to my crackers and milk.  

Some folks who posted complaints on line about round crackers said they won't buy the new round crackers - I guess if enough people complain, perhaps Nabisco will reconsider the change - or not.

Well, I hope all you mothers have a wonderful day tomorrow with your families - it's nice to be honored by a special day.  And we definitely deserve it!!