Graham Crackers

Graham Crackers Recipe from USA - Make Your Own Delicious Snack!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Graham crackers are a popular snack that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a key ingredient in various recipes. These slightly sweet, crunchy crackers are a staple in many households and are loved by both kids and adults alike.

History

Graham crackers were originally created by Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister who believed in the importance of a healthy diet. He developed the recipe in the early 19th century as part of his efforts to promote a vegetarian lifestyle. The crackers were made with whole wheat flour and were intended to be a nutritious and wholesome snack.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of powdered milk
0.5 cup of water
2 tbsp of lemon juice
2 eggs
1 cup of brown sugar
0.5 cup of honey
1 cup of mild vegetable oil
2 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of baking soda
6 cups of whole wheat flour

How to prepare

Mix the powdered milk and water together, then add the lemon juice and mix well.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light, then add the brown sugar, honey, oil, and vanilla extract.
Stir the salt and baking soda into 3 cups of flour, and combine with the egg mixture.
Continue to add flour until the dough becomes very stiff.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
Lightly grease a cookie sheet with shortening and dust it with flour.
Roll out one part of the dough on the cookie sheet until it reaches a thickness of about 0.13 inch.
Lightly mark out squares with a blunt knife, and use a fork to prick the squares every inch or so.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for approximately 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Immediately cut into squares and transfer to a cooling rack.
Repeat the process with the remaining 3 parts of the dough.

Variations

Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version of graham crackers.
Use different types of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, for a gluten-free option.
Top the crackers with chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the dough to an even thickness to ensure that the crackers bake evenly.

- Prick the dough with a fork before baking to prevent air bubbles from forming.

- Keep an eye on the crackers while they are baking, as they can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.

- Store the crackers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Graham crackers can be enjoyed on their own, or used as a base for desserts such as s'mores or cheesecake crusts.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough evenly

- Pricking the dough with a fork before baking

- Cutting the crackers into squares immediately after baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular milk instead of powdered milk and water.

- Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey.

- Coconut oil can be used in place of vegetable oil.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for graham crackers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve graham crackers on a platter with a variety of toppings, such as peanut butter, jelly, or chocolate spread.

Pairing Recommendations

Graham crackers pair well with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or a cup of tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store graham crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To reheat, place the crackers in a 300°F (149°C) oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of graham crackers contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of graham crackers contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of graham crackers contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of graham crackers contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Graham crackers are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Graham crackers contain wheat and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Graham crackers are a tasty snack that is relatively low in calories and fat. However, they are not a significant source of protein, vitamins, or minerals.

Summary

Graham crackers are a classic snack that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy these delicious crackers anytime.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Graham Crackers. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Martha, who lived in the countryside. She was known for her delicious homemade treats, and I always looked forward to trying out her new recipes.

As I sat at her kitchen table, sipping on a glass of sweet tea, Aunt Martha pulled out an old, tattered cookbook from her shelf. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for. She handed me the book, and I read the ingredients out loud: graham flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, and milk.

Aunt Martha explained that Graham Crackers were invented by a man named Sylvester Graham in the early 19th century. He believed in the importance of a healthy diet and created these crackers as a nutritious alternative to the overly processed foods that were becoming popular at the time. The crackers were made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with honey, making them a wholesome and satisfying snack.

I was intrigued by the history behind the recipe and eager to try my hand at making them myself. Aunt Martha guided me through the process, showing me how to mix the ingredients together until a smooth dough formed. We rolled out the dough and used a cookie cutter to shape the crackers into perfect rectangles. After baking them in the oven, the kitchen was filled with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked Graham Crackers.

When the crackers had cooled, Aunt Martha and I sat down at the table to enjoy our creation. The crackers were crisp and slightly sweet, with a hint of nuttiness from the graham flour. They were perfect on their own, but Aunt Martha suggested serving them with a dollop of creamy peanut butter for an extra special treat.

I was amazed by how simple it was to make something so delicious from scratch. The process of creating something with my own hands, using basic ingredients and a little bit of know-how, was incredibly satisfying. From that moment on, I was hooked on the art of baking and eager to learn more recipes from Aunt Martha.

Over the years, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. I collected recipes from friends, neighbors, and relatives, adding them to my ever-growing repertoire. Each recipe told a story, passed down through generations and cherished for its ability to bring people together around the table.

As I grew older, I became known in my own right for my delicious homemade treats. My grandchildren would come running to my house, eager to sample the latest batch of cookies, cakes, or pies. I loved sharing my passion for cooking with them, passing down the recipes and traditions that had been handed down to me.

And so, every time I make a batch of Graham Crackers, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Aunt Martha's kitchen. I am reminded of the sense of wonder I felt as I discovered the magic of baking, and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. And I am reminded of the love and care that went into each and every recipe, a gift from the past that I am honored to share with future generations.