Every time I walk into Whole Foods they always have samples of Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps at the cheese counter that I can’t resist. If you’re not familiar with these, they’re tiny ultra thin crackers filled with nuts, dried fruit and oftentimes herbs. I never feel the least bit guilty having 1 or 2 or even 3 crisps. They’re flavorful, crunchy and not at all filling. A few years back Whole Foods introduced a new holiday flavor – “Pumpkin Spice Crackers.” After sampling one, I decided to try making them.
It didn’t take long to find similar recipes online for a base cracker without special seasonings. Since I wanted to try and duplicate the Pumpkin Spice Crackers I sampled at Whole Foods I decided to use a base recipe. plus spice ingredients listed on the Raincoast Crisps box. To my surprise they tasted identical to the store bought and I’ve been making them ever since.
These mini crisps are perfect as appetizer toasts, with cheese, spreads, dips or anything else you can think of to put on them. You might even want to package them up to give as a gift with some homemade jam or cheese.
If you’re a fan of Lesley Stowe’s crackers or ultra thin crackers you’re going to love these. Here’s my recipe, I hope you’ll try them…..
Spray mini-loaf pans with non-stick coating and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in the brown sugar, breaking up any big clumps. Pour buttermilk over flour mixture stirring with a spatula until combined and clear of any dry flour.
Add cranberries (see Note), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds and spices to the batter. Stir blending evenly throughout the batter.
Divide batter between coated mini-loaf pans, about 3/4 full - tap or smooth surface. Place baking sheet with loaf pans in preheated oven. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until tops spring back to the touch, are golden-brown, and a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove cakes from pans and place on a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely.
Place in individual freezer bags or freezer container and set in freezer until frozen - several hours or over night. Loaves can be kept frozen for up to 3 months - if so wrap in foil before placing in a freezer bag or container.
When ready to make the crisps, heat the oven to 300°F.
Remove one loaf from the freezer and slice as thin as possible using a serrated knife, 1/8" thick. (I found it best to slice closest to the base of the knife, by the handle, for best leverage).Lay slices in a single layer, not touching, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use as many loaves as desired or save some for another time.
Bake slices for 15 minutes. Flip, and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. Crackers are done when deep in color (not burnt), feel dry to the touch, and are curled slightly at the edges. Crackers will crisp up as they cool.
Remove from baking sheet to cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
Crackers will keep in an airtight for several weeks.
ENJOY!!!
Note:I use Melissa's Dried Cranberries which are very plump and moist. However, if using another brand and you find them to be hard and dry, simply place the cranberries in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Allow to rest for 15 minutes to plump up. Drain before adding to batter.
Note:I use Melissa's Dried Cranberries which are very plump and moist. However, if using another brand and you find them to be hard and dry, simply place the cranberries in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Allow to rest for 15 minutes to plump up. Drain before adding to batter.