Sesame and Poppy Seed Crackers

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm experimenting with gift ideas in preparation for Christmas. I have friends and family who enjoy homemade chutney so I thought of making crackers to go with them. A pack of crackers, a jar of chutney and a label saying 'Just add cheese!'.

I found a recipe for Poppy and Sesame Seed Crackers. I had both of those seeds for when I make bread rolls so it wasn't a big decision to use them in crackers. 

You will need:

250g of Plain Flour
1 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of salt
2 tbsp poppy seeds
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tsp of ground black pepper
60g of cold chopped butter/marg
100ml of chilled water

Method

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan160°C/ gas 4. Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl, then stir in the seeds and pepper. Using your fingertips, rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. 2. Make a well in the centre, then add 100ml iced water. Using a flat-bladed knife at first and then your hands, mix until a firm dough forms, adding more iced water if necessary. Don’t over mix.
3. 3. Form the dough into a rough ball, then cut in half. Wrap one half in cling film and chill in the fridge.
4. 4. Roll the other half out between 2 sheets of baking paper until 1-2mm thick. Using a lightly floured 6cm round cutter, cut out rounds. Place on a baking sheet and prick all over with a fork. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Chill for 20 minutes.
5. 5. Bake for 20-35 minutes until lightly golden. Move to a wire rack to cool.

These would be great at Christmas, with Stilton or a mature cheddar and some spicy tomato or rhubarb chutney.

If you are going to make these as a gift, make them on the 23rd and include a label advising to eat within seven days. I made mine a little thick and they had a 'water biscuit' texture; I will roll them really really thin when I make them again.  However, the flavour is fantastic.

I had two parcels waiting for me when I arrived home from work tonight and I am so grateful for all the fabric and shirts I have received lately. I have plans for an Irish Chain and Sister's Choice quilts and need the shirts to go towards two double bed sized quilts that also need to be made by Christmas. I am going to be busier than and elf! Ladies, you know who you are and I will do your fabric justice and make some wonderful quilts with the material you have sent me. It's your generosity that keeps me quilting.

Until tomorrow,

Love Froogs xxxxxxxxxx