Oat Meal Crackers. Jennie L. Harrington. Recipe

Oatmeal crackers are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite spreads, cheese, or dips. It is a popular recipe that dates back many years and has its origins in the United States. The combination of oats and flour creates a delightful texture, and the addition of sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Whether you are looking for a homemade snack or a unique addition to your party platter, oatmeal crackers are sure to be a hit!

Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore some fun facts about oatmeal crackers. Did you know that oats have been cultivated for over two thousand years and are one of the oldest known cereal grains? Oats were commonly used in ancient Greece and Rome and have since become a staple in many cuisines worldwide. They are packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any diet.

Now, let's gather the ingredients needed for our oatmeal crackers:

- 2 cups oatmeal (rolled oats is best)
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons baking powder

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Next, add the shortening to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the shortening into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important as it helps create a flaky texture in the crackers.

Gradually add the water to the mixture, stirring with a fork until a dough forms. You may need slightly more or less water, depending on the consistency of your dough. The ideal consistency is pliable and not too sticky.

Once the dough is formed, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out thinly, aiming for about 1/8 inch (3mm) thickness. You may want to divide the dough into manageable portions to make rolling easier.

Using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, cut the dough into desired shapes and sizes. Cracker shapes such as squares, rectangles, or triangles work well, but you can also get creative and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.

Carefully transfer the cut dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each cracker. This allows them to crisp up evenly during baking. If desired, you can lightly sprinkle some additional oats on top of the crackers for added texture and visual appeal.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from perfectly crisp to overly browned.

Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. As they cool, they will become even crispier. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Now that you have your homemade oatmeal crackers ready, you can enjoy them on their own or pair them with various spreads, cheeses, or dips. They also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board or as a base for creative canapés.

If you enjoyed making oatmeal crackers, you might also like to explore other recipes that feature oats. Some popular options include oatmeal cookies, granola bars, and oatmeal bread. These dishes provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures while incorporating the nutritional benefits of oats into your daily meals and snacks.

So go ahead, embrace the versatility of oats, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade oatmeal crackers!