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Have you had those fabulous seeded crackers from the gourmet markets? They're loaded with dried fruit, nuts and seeds. Thin and super crisp, they make a delicious nibble on their own and are also quite sensational with soft and hard cheeses, hummus and spreads of all varieties. However....they're EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE!
Even at Trader Jo's, which has wonderful gourmet products at reasonable prices, they're selling for four dollars for a small box. And at the fancy-dancy markets.... well, be prepared to spend most of ten dollars for an even smaller package.
Guess what? You can make these delightful, healthy crackers at home for a FRACTION of the commercially packaged price. And with this recipe, you can have fun mixing and matching the seeds, nuts and dried fruit to your own taste.
Fun is definitely what we had while coming up with these Seeded California Fig & Pistachio Crisps. It all started with a wonderful package on our front steps. It arrived from sunny California loaded with beautiful dried figs and with some awesome OXO kitchen tools. The package was part of a recipe development challenge for EatWriteRetreat, a blogger's conference we'll be attending in Philadelphia in two short weeks.
If you're a regular reader here at The Café, you may be feeling like you're having deja vu, since I mentioned a similar package several weeks ago filled with California Raisins. I used them in my Sweet & Spicy California Raisin Jam w/ Orange & Ginger. No, you're not dreaming, we actually received TWO of these fun packages since Scott and I will both be attendees at the conference.
The challenge was to come up with an appetizer using the "mystery" ingredient we received in our packages, this one was California Figs. We enjoy figs, both fresh and dried here at the Café, so we were excited about the assignment. I love it that they're an all natural energy source and are fat, sodium and cholesterol free. The old brains were whirring as we tried to decide which way to go, and it seemed like we had a zillion ideas.
We finally decided on a crisp, healthy cracker that would mimic those fancy seeded gourmet delights. I got to work in, what my husband calls, "the mad scientist mode". We (I did the cooking and Scott was the taste-tester and critiquer) tried different combinations and amounts of ingredient, varying the pan shapes as well as the baking times and temperatures.
We're super happy with the final results. Our crisps include equal amounts of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, low fat milk, brown sugar, honey, lots of healthy seeds, pistachios, golden raisins and a generous portion of the delicious California Figs. I baked them in small pans and, after cooling, sliced them super thin and popped them back in the oven for a final crisping. With the other half of the batter, I used empty tomato cans which made round-shaped crackers ...................... beautiful on a cheese or appetizer tray!
One last thing I love about this recipe; it makes a TON! ................. but you don't have to make all the crackers at one time. You can throw the whole baked loaves in the freezer and when you get the call that company's coming, pull one out, slice it thin and pop it in the oven. When the doorbell rings, the most delicious aroma will greet your guests and they'll think you ARE the gourmet market!
- 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped California Dried Figs I used California Mission Figs but any kind will work
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all purpose flour 2 tablespoons removed to coat figs, see instructions
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup low fat milk
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 ½ cups shelled pistachios
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup flax seed*
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Preheat oven to 350˚F.). Spray five small bread pans generously with baking spray (for rectangle shaped crackers).
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For round crackers use clean, dry, empty food cans. Number of cans will depend on size of cans. I used seven 10-ounce Rotel tomato cans. Spray cans with baking spray. Rub spray all over with a paper towel then spray again. Cans need to be very well greased to ensure easy removal of loaves.
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Combine chopped figs with the 2 tablespoons flour. With your hand, toss to completely coat figs with flour. Set aside.
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Whisk together Greek yogurt, milk and honey in a medium size bowl. Set aside.
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Combine both flours, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add raisins, pistachios and all seeds. Stir to mix well.
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Add Greek yogurt mixture to dry ingredients and stir until all four are incorporated. Add chopped figs and stir gently just to combine.
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Divide batter between prepared pans, filling ¾ full. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in pan, then turn out onto cooling rack and cool completely. When cool, place in freezer for at least 1 hour.
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When ready to complete crackers (their "second bake"), preheat oven to 250˚F and line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
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Remove loaves from freezer. With a sharp knife, slice loaves as thinly as possible. Place slices on prepared sheet pans. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and quite crisp. Crisping will continue as crackers cool. When completely cool, store in an airtight container.
~ *Use milled or ground flax seed whenever possible. Whole flax seeds are not easily absorbed and therefore much of the nutritional value is lost.
~ If weather is humid and crackers loose some of their crispness, you can easily restore their deliciousness by placing in a 250˚F oven for 10 minutes.
~ Mix and match the seeds and nuts to your liking, just keep the total amount the same. Also feel free to substitue different dried fruits, really the sky's the limit to the variations that are possible here.
~ A tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary is a delicious addition to this recipe. We wanted to let the figs shine on their own this time, but we also tried it with the rosemary and it's wonderful!
~ When you're slicing the crackers, it will be difficult to slice thin when you get to the end of the loaf. Instead of wasting the last little bit, I cut the ends up into little cubes, toast them in a separate pan as the crackers bake and voila! Delicious croutons that will jazz up the simplest salad!
~ If you're tired of granola, these are wonderful for breakfast with fresh fruit and yogurt!
Sandra Lee says
Perfect snack! I love figs in anything, except Fig Newtons.
Angie Schneider says
These look so beautiful!
twodogsinthekitchen says
Those would beat any store brand! They not only look gourmet but, I bet they taste it too! I like that it makes a lot and you can freeze it also.
Cuisine de Provence says
What a great idea to bake them in tomato cans!
Pam says
Wow Chris - they look fantastic!
Mijú says
Vaya corte a mi me ha encantado 🙂
Un saludito
Alex says
They look so pretty! Wow.
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Chris these are beautiful!!! Love how you can see all the ingredients!! Need to try these soon!!
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Chris these are beautiful!!! Love how you can see all the ingredients!! Need to try these soon!!
Hovkonditorn says
They are beautiful and sounds so delicious! Have a great day!
Tricia Buice says
What a special treat these are. I bet they are so tasty - you are a wonderful chef Chris! Lovely cracker indeed!
Vicki Bensinger says
These look and sound sensational. Great use of ingredients and so creative. I'd like to have some of these just for a breakfast, they sound so good.
Thanks for sharing the recipe. I will have to give these a whirl!
The Mom Chef says
Oh Chris, those are gorgeous. What an amazing creation. They're absolutely, fandabulously perfect. I can't wait to hear about your time at the conferences. I know the two of you are going to have a blast.
La Table De Nana says
I made a similar version a few times..the first time they were good and twice after not crisp..chewy..thanks for this new version..will try again:-)
Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
They are very pretty and look pretty healthy too! Enjoy:@)
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
They look very appealing and definitely a must-make at home-- not only because it is a buck saver but also because I bet it is much more delicious. Gorgeous photos, Chris!!!!
Foodycat says
These look so good! And mnaking them like biscotti is genius - I've never been able to get crackers properly thin and crisp.
Lenia says
This is the ultimate snack for me, delicious and packed with healthy ingredients!Love it!!!
Hugs,dear!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
They're so perfect Chris. The whole post I was wondering how you got them so round. They look super fancy! Maybe The Cafe needs a market stall and then you can charge BIG prices too but your goodies will be worth the price tag.
Valerie says
Oh, what an excellent use for your mystery ingredient! I love the texture of these crisps - if only I could grab a handful through the screen!
Gorgeous photos, as usual!
Ginny says
Maybe you could even use these as biscotti? I love Trader Joes, we have a brand new one here.
Gloria Baker says
I love figs and this sounds delicious!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Oh my yum! You have everything delish and healthy going on in this crisps!
Lail | With A Spin says
Oh, the crisp looks delicious.
First time on your blog and glad to have discovered it.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love how easy and delicious you make entertaining, Chris! I'd devour these crisps in a second :).