Crackers

Delicious Cheese Crackers – Mom's Recipe

Who doesn’t remember the unmistakable taste of crunchy cheese crackers, freshly baked from the oven, filled with the aroma of salty cheese and a hint of spices? This cracker recipe is a culinary treasure passed down from generation to generation, bringing joy and nostalgia in every bite. You will discover how easy it is to bring a touch of your childhood memories by preparing these delicious appetizers, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: Approximately 4 large trays of crackers

Ingredients

- 1 handful of salty sheep cheese (approximately 200g)
- 1 pack of margarine (250g), at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 eggs
- Flour as needed (about 1 kg, but it may vary)
- Cumin (to taste)
- Poppy seeds (to taste)

Ingredient Details

Sheep cheese is the key to the recipe, bringing a salty taste and creamy texture. You can also use telemea cheese, but sheep cheese will add extra flavor. Margarine helps achieve a flaky dough, but you can substitute it with butter for a richer taste. Flour will bind the ingredients, so it’s important to add it gradually, adjusting the amount to get a moldable dough. Cumin and poppy seeds are not just decorative options; they add a distinct aroma and an appetizing appearance.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, grate the sheep cheese with small holes. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the dough. Add the margarine at room temperature and mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

2. Adding the Light Ingredients
Sprinkle the baking powder and mix again. Now, start adding flour gradually. Use a spatula or your hands to knead the dough. Continue adding flour until you get a firm, yet pliable dough. It is important that the dough is not too soft, but also not too hard.

3. Shaping the Crackers
On a floured work surface, roll out a thin sheet of dough, about 5 mm thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the crackers into various shapes: squares, triangles, or circles. Creativity is welcome here!

4. Preparing for Baking
Place the crackers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, beat the two eggs until frothy. Using a brush, glaze each cracker with the beaten egg. This step will give them an appetizing golden color at the end. Sprinkle cumin and poppy seeds on top, according to preference.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crackers turn golden and crispy. You may need to bake multiple trays, so be patient.

6. Serving and Storing
Once baked, let the crackers cool on a metal rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature. You can pair them with a cold beer or a dry white wine, and for the little ones, a natural fruit juice will be perfect.

Practical Tips

- Teamwork: It’s much easier to prepare the crackers with someone’s help. Divide the tasks and you’ll finish much faster!
- Recipe Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella. Additionally, adding herbs like dill or oregano will give a distinct touch.
- Creative Serving: You can serve them with a yogurt sauce with dill or a spicy sauce to enhance the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

Cheese crackers are a delicious snack, but should be consumed in moderation due to the cheese and margarine content. They can provide calcium from the cheese, but it is advisable to consume them with fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, to balance the caloric intake. A serving of crackers contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of fat instead of margarine?
Yes, butter is an excellent option, providing a richer taste and a slightly different texture.

2. How can I keep the crackers fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you keep them for a long time, you can freeze them.

3. Can I add vegetables to the dough?
Of course! You can add chopped spinach or olives for a healthier version.

A Personal Note

This cracker recipe is more than just a snack; it is a bridge between generations, a way to bring family and friends together around the table. Whether you prepare them for a party, a casual get-together, or simply to treat yourself, cheese crackers are always an inspired choice. I wish you much success in preparing them and, most importantly, enjoy every bite!