As part of my new “green” resolutions, I decided to start to add to the things I already make instead of buy. I am trying to lessen the waste we discard, cut down on processed/packaged foods and save a little money on the way.
I recently made my first batch of homemade crackers. I used a simple “pizza dough” recipe from my trusty Joy of Cooking cookbook and was quite pleased with the results. I have only made biscuits from homemade dough and do not have much experience with it. I am sure I have a lot to learn, but I was proud of the tasty homemade crackers I made for my family. The kids loved them and I did too. They were definitely ill shaped, most of the seeds did not stick on and they were not as flat as I had hoped. I think they are perfect for snacking or to dip in hummus or a thicker dip/spread. I am going to continue to experiment and share so… if anyone has a recipe or a tip, I’m all ears.
Here is what I did:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons ACTIVE DRY yeast ( be sure it is NOT quick rising)
- 1 1/3 cups warm water (105-115 degrees F)
- 3 1/2 cup All purpose organic flour
- 2 TBS. organic olive oil
- 1 TBS salt
- Add the yeast to the warm water, mix and let yeast dissolve fully, about 5-6 minutes
- Mix the additional ingredients in the stand mixer until blended (1 minute)
- Knead, using dough hook, on low to medium until dough is smooth and elastic (10 minutes)
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled glass bowl, turn it over to coat all sides with oil and cover tightly
- Let rise in warm place (75-80 degrees F) until doubled in volume (1- 1 1/2 hours)
- Preheat oven 450 degrees F
- I divided my one ball of dough into the more manageable balls. Again, I am not experienced in the world of dough so I wanted to take it slowly.
- I lightly dusted my work surface with cornmeal (I think flour would work just fine, just don’t over-use it) and rolled the dough into approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Mine was thicker in some parts than others, and I used a pizza cutter so slice the dough into “rectangles”. If I had mini cookie cutters or a lot more patience I could have made neater shapes.
- I brushed them lightly with a little organic olive oil and sprinkled some with poppy seeds, some with sesame and then combined the two seeds.
If you enjoyed this post, we would love to have you back, Sign up to get the “Buzz”
Great idea and the pics were very helpful! I would love to try so thanks for putting up the recipe and directions. I love the idea behind it as well. I can’t believe all of the waste we have from food packaging. You have totally cut out the box (with the bag inside it)! I think that is great. It is amazing when you look at all the garbage from packaged food alone.
Apple Crisp Recipe
Instead of buying the box…I tried this:
4 med. tart apples
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup marg. or butter (softened)
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until golden brown
Enjoy!
You have just cut down on one more bag and box in the landfill! Congrats!
I love this! I wish I had the time, patience, or a stand mixer to try this.
xoxo
hmmm, perhaps one day you’ll have to register and one famous friend will have to purchase one for you! xox
Great idea! I will have to try!
Apple crisp is another one where we can cut out a bag and a box and use our own ingredients. There are lots of great recipes if you google them….but I just mix brown sugar, oats and a little softened butter or margerine until it is the consistency that I like..then I cook on top of green apples until golden brown..usually 375 for 30 minutes…depends on how you like to eat! That is what is great about making your own …you can make it to your own taste!
This is the perfect excuse for me to purchase a mixer. I will be such a hero in my house when I make these! Great recipe!
I love this idea. You are the homemade queen! I have never heard of crackers made from scratch, how cool.
It was easy enough. I havent really improved much but need to focus on doing so. The kids love them anyway, but i wish they were thinner…
Oh I always thought making crackers would be so very hard! You made it look so easy, I think I will try too! They look delicous!
We run out of crackers before I return to the grocery store!