Raisin cheese crackers – With only 6 ingredients, you can now make your own sweet and salty cheese crackers to impress your guests at the next party!
Romanians are known for a couple of things, some good, some bad but what I love most about is the hospitality.
We love to entertain, we love having friends over and hosting dinner parties. For some it may seem like an enormous effort but I absolutely love it!
Over the time, with a little one climbing on my leg like a monkey in a tree, I turned dinner parties into cocktail parties. A few snacks, a lot of desserts, great friends – the recipe for successful cocktail parties.
No matter if my guests are in the mood for a sweet or savory treat, a cheese plate has something for everyone. Nuts, fresh and dried fruit, cheese and of course crackers!
A couple of weeks ago I received a package to participate in the Eat Write Retreat Culinary Challenge.
In the box there were a couple of bags of raisins courtesy of California Raisins and a box full of kitchen gadgets from OXO. I was so excited I was sent this package. I knew about California Raisins from my friend Carolyn that they are naturally sweetened with no added sugar. They are also fat and cholesterol free. Just perfect for a healthy snack packed with lots of nutrients.
As part of the challenge I had to create an original appetizer recipe featuring raisins.
Now, I’m not going to lie. My first thought was: cookies, but the more I thought about it the idea of crackers seemed more fitting for the challenge.
And I patted myself on the shoulder once the first batch was out of the oven.
They have the perfect sweet and salty balance from the grated Parmesan and chopped raisins. The edges are crispy with a slightly chewy center and strong enough to be used as a spoon to a cheese ball.
I prefer mine spread with a little mascarpone or cream cheese, top with a couple of raisins and/or nuts. You can also enjoy them with thin slices of cheese or salami, ham or other meat products.
Yields 2 1/2 dozens
A sweet and salty cracker, with crispy edges and chewy center, great for cheese platters or cheese balls.
20 minPrep Time
11 minCook Time
2 hrTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 4 oz gated Parmesan
- 4 tbsp cold butter, diced
- 1 1/2 cups (180 hrams) all purpose flour
- pinch of white pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1/3 cup iced cold water
- 2 1/2 oz (70 grams) chopped raisins
Instructions
- In a food processor add the grated parmesan, butter, flour, white pepper and sugar, if using.
- Pulse a few times until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Slowly, add enough water to make a smooth dough, about 1/3 cup.
- Take the dough out of the food processor and place it on a working area. Knead in the chopped raisins.
- Roll the dough into a 12 inch square. Starting with one side, fold the dough in three, like a letter.
- Roll it out again in a square and fold one more time.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for an hour or so.
- Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350F.
- When the dough is chilled, roll the dough out as thins as possible.
- For best results, roll the dough directly on the back of a cookie sheet or on a silicone mat.
- With a cookie cutter, cut out the crackers.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 11 minutes, depending on their thickness, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Once baked, leave for 5 minutes to rest on the baking sheet before removing to cool completely on wire racks.
- Once cooled, enjoy!
Sending love your way,
Roxana
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