A delicious homemade cracker recipe for you to try

I've been asked over and over for a recipe for crackers, one that is easy to make and that actually makes crackers rather than just a savoury biscuit. This recipe is so simple, and made with everyday pantry ingredients. It has a delicious nutty flavour from the sesame seeds and bakes to a delightfully crisp cracker, perfect for dips or using as a base for savouries.

Crisp Sesame Crackers

Ingredients:
2 cups quick rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
3 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup cold butter
1/2 cup ice cold water plus one tablespoon if needed

Method:
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius.  Grind the oats about 1/2 cup at a time in your blender or food processor. Do not over-process. The oats should be coarsely ground.  Add the flour, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, and baking powder and stir to combine.  Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.   Make a well in the centre and pour the 1/2 cup cold water into the well. Stir with a flat blade knife until the mixture comes together. Add the extra tablespoon of water if required, then knead just until you have a ball of dough, do not over knead. Roll the dough out to 3mm thick. Cut crackers into circles with a cookie cutter or glass. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Prick the crackers in two or three places with a fork.  Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the crackers are baked and dry. Let sit on the cookie sheet for five minutes and then remove them to a wire rack to cool.

Tip:  The secret of crisp crackers is a long, slow baking time. The crackers need to cook long enough for all moisture to be evaporated from the dough.

This recipe is also in the Recipe File, in the Cheapskates Club Member's Centre.