{stories and snapshots from my new york city life.}

11.23.2010

Parmesan Thyme Crackers

Have you ever made homemade crackers? I love 'em. Nothing beats a buttery, savory cracker straight out of the oven. And these parmesan thyme crackers are really, really good. Of course you don't have to believe me, I'm just some crackpot blogger. But you do have to trust the woman behind the recipe, Ina Garten. I mean, she's a Contessa. And that's like royalty or something.

I just have one tiny complaint for this recipe--the fact that they're called crackers. They're quite soft and crumbly, more like shortbread. But really, can I even submit that as an official complaint? It's like complaining that a big stack of hundred dollar bills doesn't fit in a wallet. 

What I like most about this recipe is the fact that it requires only four ingredients--grated parmesan, flour, a stick of butter and thyme. Okay, six if you're counting salt and pepper, but who counts S & P as ingredients?

There's always thyme to whip up these tasty crackers. Wakka, wakka, wakka.

Make sure to let your butter come to room temperature before beating in the mixer, then incorporate the thyme and parmesan cheese. I used a tub of pre-grated parmesan from the deli counter and it turned out great. You could also take a block of parm and grate it in your food processor, but my way sounds cheaper and easier. I am clearly not a contessa. Perhaps money would buy me class. Some other contessa told me that.

Roll your dough into a log, then refrigerate for at least a half hour or freeze until ready to use.

Okay, okay, upon further review of my own photographs, I'm thinking the reason they turned out like shortbread is because I sliced them into 1/2-inch thick slices. If you want crisper crackier-crackers, try cutting them into 1/4-inch slices. My bad, Ina. I'll never doubt you again.

Bake 'em till they turn golden brown. You'll know they're ready when the scents coming from your oven begin making your toes curl.

They make great hostess gifts because they pack up neatly, without crumbling into bits or smearing icing all over the inside of a bag like other baked goods.

I doubled the recipe, and packaged them with some green raffia and little golden leaves as a parting gift for my clients this holiday week. So far, they've been met with rave reviews. Let's all bow down to the contessa.

In her words, how easy was that?

17 comments:

  1. yumm. what a great idea to give as a small gift during the holidays.

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  2. I love a good cracker. And as of right now, I'm totally into making my own. Triscuit Schmiscuit. And if Fozzie Bear is making them, then you know I'm in.

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  3. You are so funny Jenn, not a crackpot at all! Obviously you have good taste if you made these delightful crackers! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    -Gina-

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  4. Elegance is learned, my friend.

    Might whip up a batch of these this weekend. Does the texture of the crackers change at all when stored?

    How goes the invisalign? I'm much more used to mine, and my bite is already different. I like this. A quick result is something I can totally get behind. Lisp hasn't quite gone away though... hot.

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  5. Just found your blog courtesy of Foodie House - you are a hoot! Love the shortbread/crackers - I would cut mine thick for shortbread too . . . Cheers, Michelle

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  6. I would probably just stare and them all day in their bags- so cute & dainty. Bet they're delish!

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  7. Nice! I've never made crackers before! Nice to find your blog

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  8. I've never made homemade crackers. Yours look scrumptious. Great flavors too.

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  9. I want to make these. I love trying new things in the kitchen! I've never tried crackers. Thanks yo for the sweet comment. I love meeting inspiring people!

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  10. Mmmm these sound delicious! I can't wait to try these, thanks for sharing!

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  11. Crackers or shortbread...these look and sound amazing. You did such a great job packaging them up to! I would love to serve these at a holiday party. Thank you for sharing it with us. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  12. Your savory crackers look delightful. They would be perfect with a glass of wine. You are right, they make a lovely hostess or holiday gift.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    Velva

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  13. this looks so yummy! thanks for sharing this.

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  14. ok, I'm so bookmarking this, yummy!! Oh and only 4 ingredients, even better!
    x.o.x.o

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  15. Those crackers look completely delicious! I wish I was on the receiving end of one of your cute little gift bags!

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  16. OMG - these look just so divine! A must make for the holidays. Thank you for sharing!

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