Homemade Crackers with Olive Oil

"Soup and crackers go hand in hand!" Me

Hiya followers! Is it cold enough out there for yah?! Brrrr!
Well, I assume that you all got my hint in the last blog! Today's blog is all about homemade crackers. Exactly followers, how could 'Soup Month' continue and not feature crackers?! Now, there are a lot of different cracker recipes, but I have decided to go with one that is (surprise, surprise...), super easy. Most cracker recipes I found are those of the 'cream cracker' variety, made with cream and butter but I have opted for a dough that is made with olive oil. I also added some different flavouring to my crackers (poppy seed, flax seed, fresh rosemary and an old Cheddar cheese and Parmesan combo...), but of course they can stay plain. Although crackers are credited as an American invention, they have a long history with such ancient cousins as the unleavened matzo and flatbrod. So, my loyal followers, push up those sleeves and get out the rolling pin! I swear you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy and tasty homemade crackers can be!

Simple and Tasty Recipe:

Homemade Crackers with Olive Oil
(makes 1 to 4 dozen)

1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt (extra coarse salt for the top)
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (more for brushing on top)
*1 tsp poppy seed, flax seed, sesame seed, dried or chopped fresh herbs, spices, etc. or 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional)

.mix your dry ingredients in a bowl and make a well in the middle
.combine the oil water and oil and pour into the well, while mixing with a fork until it comes together
.turn out onto a floured surface and knead the dough for a few minutes until it forms a firm ball (it doesn't have to be smooth)
.wrap in plastic or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for an hour
.preheat oven to 425 and roll out dough as thin as it will go, cut into preferred cracker or flat bread shapes
.place on a greased tray, brush tops with some olive oil, sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for 6 to 8 mins until lightly browned, enjoy with your fave soup!!

How easy it that?! Now, you can make whatever shape or size you like. I found that a pizza cutter was really handy, but a sharp knife will do. Or, if you prefer a flat bread shape, you could divide the dough into walnut sized balls and roll them out into long ovals. Not only good with soup, these crackers would make a great addition to any cheese board or served with a yummy dip. Don't be shy to experiment with the flavourings, anything would be great! Alrighty followers, I will be back tomorrow with a request for yummy French onion soup. Don't you just love 'Soup Month?!'