Friday, August 14, 2009

Homemade Wheat Thins for Back to School

Although I still firmly believe that the true back to school is in September, right after Labor Day, I'm forced to keep up with these modern times when plaid-clad students march back to active learning in August. We'll start our homeschool learning in earnest on Monday, just to keep up with the local kids who went back yesterday. And in two weeks, I'll head back to Dixie State College, where I teach Humanities in the evenings. I'm busy organizing my courses, preparing assignments, writing up syllabi, and collecting materials. But I'm never too busy to turn my attention to food. The first few weeks of school, I pack lunches for my children, simply for the sheer novelty of using a lunch pail and pretending that our school is as formal as any other brick and mortar institution. We set about making homemade crackers this week, which make a very fine lunch when combined with some sharp cheddar cheese and a crisp apple. I needn't tell you that making your own crackers is ever so much cheaper than buying them, but they do take a little effort to make. Enlist the help of your little charges, if possible, for the rolling out. I recommend making a double (or even a triple batch) and storing them in an airtight container. And don't blame me if they get devoured by the adult crowd before school ever starts. They're that good.
Homemade Wheat Thins
Notes: These taste great when they are really good and browned. They will crisp as they cool, so don't be tempted to eat them warm.
Estimated Cost for 60 crackers: $1.00
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
pinch of salt, plus more for the tops
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2/3 cup milk
In a large bowl, combine flours, salt and sugar. Add oil and mix with a fork. Pour in milk and mix just to form a ball. Roll out half the dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. Repeat with remaining dough. Cut into 2 inch squares and sprinkle with salt. Place on greased cookie sheets and bake in 350 degree preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Coming Next:
Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks

28 comments:

Catherine said...

Look at me , I'm the first commenter! (That reminds me of "Hey look at me everybody, I'm going to the first person ever sent by television!" Or something like that. Well I've been meaning to comment on the griddle tamale cakes. They look divine and I cannot wait to try them. And I love the darling brownie buttons, too! So many delicious things have come and gone and I haven't commented! And now homemade crackers! They look so good. I'm dying to try all your latest and greatest creations! Thanks for sharing!

Jani Jo said...

Ooh, I am so excited to try these crackers. I just bought an electric wheat grinder for $5 at a garage sale and have going 'wheat crazy'. Thanks for the recipe:)

The Blonde Duck said...

I never knew one could make their own crackers!

Cluff Family said...

I love your website and look at it often. I must live in your same area, because Dixie College is in my town. How exciting! Do you know of any good cooking classes down this way, I LOVE baking and cooking and would love to expand my knowledge with people who love it as much as I do, You amaze me!

Tanji said...

Homemade crackers??!!! What a great idea! My store bought Wheat Thins seem so lame sitting on my pantry shelf now. Miss Prudy, you are so clever and not lazy. :)

Nicole said...

Yummy Crackers!:) and school doesn't start untill September 8th for me. Yay! I should get Mom (a.k.a Jersey Girl Cooks) to let me make some of these. Yum

Mitten from Smitten said...

Thanks for the recipe I will have to give these a go I think. Am I missing the estimate cost for 60 crackers though? I don't seem to see it on the post...

Prudy said...

Thanks, Curvalicious. Just fixed that. I'm a world class scatter brain!

Mitten from Smitten said...

awww me too! Thanks for the correction :) I love your recipes and your site is great :)

Kerstin said...

What cute little crackers, I'm impressed you made your own! Fall is my favorite season, among other things, I always enjoyed heading back to school and buying school supplies!

Sharon said...

Wheat Thins are my crack. Its sad, but true. With as much as I eat them I should try making them myself!! Great recipe. I can't way to try.

wosnes said...

I LOVE Wheat Thins. I'm going to have to try this. Thanks!

Wendy said...

Can I use canola oil in place of the vegetable oil? Or will it somehow foil things?

gail said...

OMG I am definitely making these! THANKS!

Prudy said...

Wendy:
You betcha! Good luck.

gigi said...

Well, I'll be! Never thought about makeing my own wheat thins. This is great and one that I know I'll try sometime soon.

Sara said...

These look awesome! We love Wheat Thins, but they are expensive. I am going to try these this week for sure. Thanks for the recipe!

Marjie said...

Good idea making crackers! I absolutely refuse to start school before labor day, which is not hurt by the fact that about half the districts here start the week before, and half the week after. I pack school lunches in a picnic basket for the first few weeks, until it gets too chilly, and always make sure to pack for the 4 footed pupil, too. We're in 5th & 8th grade this year; time is flying!

Allie said...

I didn't realize they were so easy to make! Very excited to try making these!!

DaisyCakes Bakery and Boutique said...

I tried these last night! I loved them!! You have the best ideas Pruddy!

The JR said...

I love wheat thins and I bet these were better than boxed any day.

Ramona

Michal said...

we started yesterday, too, although i'll admit that we are easing into things this week, adding one subject a day. and we're doing it without homemade wheat thins, i'm afraid. i wish that i could come taste yours! prudy, you never cease to amaze me in all you undertake and accomplish.

Aggie said...

Who knew you could make these at home? I love these!

Jeanna said...

I made these and I must have done something wrong. The flavor was sooo,sooo good, but they were super hard. I thought I rolled them out enough, but maybe not? Help!

Prudy said...

Jeanna:
Hmmm....Maybe that was the issue. Maybe you don't need to cook yours as brown as I did. I'm sure humidity will affect the crunchiness. If you're brave enough to try again, take them out at golden brown. I'm so sorry that it didn't work out for you! Darn!

vanillasugarblog said...

you are so very clever with this one! I must try this as I am addicted to Wheat Thins.

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