Originally published on May 3, 2014
I’ve long since been making my own chips – whether they’re made out of pitas, radishes, or potatoes. But crackers? Come on. Do we really need to be making our own crackers? And is it really that much easier or cheaper than just running out to the store to buy some? I was to say the least, pretty suspicious about the entire idea. But, as always, I had to give it a go before I made a final judgement. So, I pulled up my bootstraps, took out the (very few) ingredients that are needed for it, and started mixing up my own. I have to say, it took very little time, and it made me feel really great to make something from scratch that I knew was good for my kids, and that only had ingredients I could actually pronounce. Now, anytime we have soup in this house – or just need something yummy to dunk into dip – the chances are good that we’ll have homemade crackers on hand to enjoy with it.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup water, plus 1/4 cup, if needed
Salt
Sesame seeds (optional)
Celery seeds (optional)
Fennel seeds (optional)
Caraway seeds (optional)
Directions:
1.) Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and place your oven rack in the lower third of your oven. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.) In a large bowl, mix together both flours, sugar, and salt. Pour in the olive oil and 1 cup of water. Stir until the dough comes together,and is soft and not sticky. If you find there’s a lot of dry flour still left in the bowl, add more water just a little at a time, until it all comes together into a smooth ball.
3.) Divide the dough into two halves and set one aside. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough as thin as you can until it’s approximately 1/8″ inch thick.
4.) Brush the entire surface of the dough very lightly with a bit of water. Evenly sprinkle salt over top, as well as any of the optional toppings you choose (and don’t think they need to be reserved to the list above – they’re your crackers, so top ‘em with whatever you think will be most awesome!)
5.) Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or cookie cutter, cut the crackers into squares or whatever shapes you prefer.
6.) Place in the oven and cook for 12 – 15 minutes, checking often to ensure they don’t burn. Remove from the oven as they start to become brown and crisp.
7.) Serve and enjoy!
*Crackers can be stored at room temperature, in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If the crackers start to get a bit soggy, they can be reheated in the oven for just a few minutes.