Rich Crackers
Unlike soda crackers, with their crisp layers and air
pockets, these crackers are solid and smooth. Butter, egg
and cream enriches the dough, which is made just like pie
crust. These crackers provide a sturdy, non-assertive base
for any number of toppings and spreads.
2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold butter
1 egg
6 tablespoons (3/8 cup) cream (half and half, light,
whipping or heavy)
melted butter
In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and
sugar. Cut in butter. In a separate bowl, use a fork to stir
egg and cream together till smooth. Add to flour/butter
mixture and stir till mixture forms a loose ball. Gather in
your hands and squeeze together. Pat into an oval about
1-inch thick, wrap in waxed paper, and chill for 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a circle
between 1/16 and 1/8-inch in thickness. Cut dough into
rounds with a 3-inch or smaller cutter. Repeat with
remaining dough scraps (unlike piecrust, this repeated
rolling doesn't seem to toughen the final product). Transfer
rounds to lightly greased or parchment --lined baking
sheets, and prick each round several times with a fork.
Bake crackers in a preheated 425°F oven for 6 minutes.
Remove pan from oven, turn crackers over, and bake an
additional 5 minutes, or until crackers are lightly browned.
Remove crackers from oven and brush with melted butter.
Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Copyright 2002, The King
Arthur Flour Company. All rights reserved.