Homemade crackers

I know crackers are very cheap to buy but there something great about being able to make your own and knowing what is in them.  I gave them a go last week and was pleasantly surprised with how easy and delicious they were.  They reminded me a lot like the crusty pastry of a good meat pie so I might need to try and turn this into a pie pastry one day but for now I am content with using this recipe for crackers.  Before baking, I dusted them with chicken stock powder which made them taste great but you can also use salt and pepper, herbs or whatever you like. 

Enjoy
Amanda xx

HOMEMADE CRACKERS

• 2 cups plain flour (300g)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 100g butter, cold and diced
• 6 Tbspn hot tap water
• Chicken stock powder

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. 

2. In a food processor, add butter, sugar, salt, baking powder and butter.  Pulse (or turbo if you have a Thermomix) until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 

3.  With the food processor running, gradually add water until the mixture forms a smooth dough.  

4. Tip out onto a lightly floured surface and bring together with your hands. Cut dough in half into 2 balls.

5. On a sheet of baking paper, generously dust with flour and roll out the dough as thinly as possible.  Using a sharp knife, cut into squares.  Prick each square a few times with a fork. Repeat process with remaining half of dough.  You should end up with 2 large trays of crackers.

6. At this stage, you can lightly sprinkle the crackers with chicken stock powder. This step is optional.  You could also sprinkle with salt and pepper if you prefer.

7. Bake for 10 mins or until golden.  The crackers on the outside of the tray will cook faster so remove them from the oven once they are golden. Continue to bake the remaining crackers until they are all cooked through and crunchy.  

8. Once cool, store in airtight container.

Tomato, basil & fetta bruschetta

Bruschetta is great to serve as an appetizer but I prefer it as a light lunch.  I find it a little messy to eat in public but in the comfort of your own home, it is perfect!  All ingredients are found at ALDI supermarkets so you can make it on a budget.  This recipe is suited to serve a large group so tailor the quantities to you.

Yummo!!

TOMATO, BASIL & FETTA BRUSCHETTA

• 1 loaf turkish bread, sliced approx. 1cm thick
• olive oil spray
• 4 tomatoes, finely diced
• ½ small red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely sliced
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• salt & pepper
• olive oil (for serving)
• balsamic vinegar (for serving)
• 100g Greek fetta

Preheat oven to 200oC. 

Lay bread slices on a lined baking tray & spray with olive oil.  

Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 mins or until starting to brown.

Remove from oven & transfer to wire rack to cool completely.    

In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, garlic & basil. Season with salt & pepper.

Just prior to serving, top bread with tomato mixture & drizzle bruschetta with olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Crumble over fetta and enjoy!

Greek salad with tuna

I always seem to sort out the main part of the meal and then at the last minute wonder what I am going to put with it.  Here is a simple salad that will go with many meat dishes and is particular delicious with quiche (I'll post a great quiche recipe soon).

It doesn't take very long to throw together and if you want to save even more time, you can use store bought dressing.

GREEK SALAD WITH TUNA
Serves 4 as a side salad

• 1 cup whole cherry tomatoes or 4 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 200g fetta, cubed 
• ¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted
• ¼ red onion, finely sliced
• 1 lebanese cucumber, sliced
• ½ gourmet lettuce, sliced
• 210g can tuna in olive oil, drained

     Dressing

• 2 Tbspn balsamic vinegar
• 3 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp wholegrain mustard

Step 1 - Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl & toss gently.

Step 2 - Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients in a jar.  Shake well.

Step 3 - Immediately prior to serving, pour dressing over the salad.