Jan 25, 2010 Posted by denice johnson on Jan 25, 2010 in body, life | 0 comments

homemade whole wheat crackers

If you’ve ever taken the time to read the ingredients list on the back of a box of crackers you might understand the desire to make your own. Crackers are a simple food which should not require a list of ingredients a mile long.

It can be tricky to encourage a sluggish palette to enjoy the real flavor of natural food. If you and your family are used to processed crackers prepared with unhealthy white flour it may seem unlikely you’ll enjoy the taste of a whole wheat cracker without all of the preservatives you’re used to. As with anything, a taste for a more healthy version of a common food can be encouraged. If you prefer, starts with a fifty/fifty split of white to whole wheat flour and over time gradually increase the amount of whole wheat until it is at 100%. Give yourself and your taste buds time to appreciate these hearty, delicious crackers. You won’t be sorry you did.

If you are already a fan of healthy eating these crackers will be a welcome addition to your recipe box.

Homemade crackers are healthy, easy to make and taste fantastic. The key is figuring out how your family likes them. Some prefer a crispy, thin cracker while others like them a little thicker and maybe not quite as crisp.

Feel free to vary the recipe to shake things up from time to time. Try adding garlic powder, or a salt free seasoning such as one of the many available through Mrs. Dash. You can also class these crackers up for special occasions with the following combinations: sea salt and thyme, cracked black pepper and sea salt, rosemary and olives, cranberry and orange zest. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination!

The preference here is of course to use as many organic ingredients as you can find. It isn’t always easy to find ALL organic products so do the best you can given availability and cost.

ingredients
2.5 c whole wheat flour
3/4c ground bran flakes cereal
1 tsp salt
1/3c olive oil
1c water

sea salt for sprinkling (or regular salt if that’s all you have)

directions
Preheat Oven to 350°F.

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.

Add olive oil and water. Stir until just blended.

Divide dough into two balls. Roll out the first on a piece of parchment paper until desired thick (or thin) ness has been achieved. Be careful to roll the dough out to even thickness throughout. Cut off sloppy edges if you’d like your crackers to have perfect edges.

Sprinkle with sea salt and then score into squares with a sharp knife. Be sure to do this before baking if you want your crackers to be a specific shape. Optionally, you can bake as one sheet and just break into rustic pieces afterward.

You can poke each cracker with a fork for a traditional saltine look but this is not necessary.

Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. The crackers around the edges are often ready to be removed before the ones in the center. Carefully transfer them to a plate or cooling rack and put the rest back in the oven.

Baking time may vary according to individual ovens.

Remove crackers from oven when ready and break into pre-scored squares or rustic pieces. Allow to cool completely before storing.