Grains of truth about
CRACKERS
Definitions Crackers are served as a snack, appetizer or
light meal accompaniment. They are eaten before,
Crackers are thin, crisp wafers or biscuits, during, after and between meals, and are a quick
usually made of unsweetened and unleavened dough. addition to dinner parties, picnics, lunch bags and
snacks. Crackers can be good substitutes for sweeter
History snacks.
Early crackers were a matter of convenience
for people on the run, namely the Jews fleeing
Storage
Egyptian slavery. Too rushed to allow their dough to If stored in an airtight container in a cool
rise, matzoh was the result. place, crackers will remain fresh and crisp for several
The early crackers, or “biscuits” as the English weeks. If they become soggy, restore crispness by
call them, were handmade, hard-baked products baking in a 300°F oven 4 to 5 minutes.
made from flour and a little moisture. The low level of
moisture, decreased even further with baking, left no
medium for molds to grow. Made with little fat,
Nutritional value
rancidity was not a concern. A serving is generally ½ ounce, which is four
A soda cracker barrel was the method of to eight crackers, depending on the type.
marketing as long as cracker production was Soft white flour, unbleached and usually
localized. At the turn of the century, Adolphus Green enriched with niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, iron
laid the foundation for the modern cracker baking and possibly calcium, is the main ingredient. Whole-
system that is used today. He was the first to abandon grains or whole-grain flours may be used.
the old barrel and supply fresh, whole crackers in
triple-wrapped packages. Crackers may be higher in fat than other
wheat foods such as bread, pasta, tortillas and cereal,
Crackers remain a convenient, versatile food.
so read the labels on commercially prepared crackers
Manufacturers are moving to meet consumer demand
to determine the amount and type of fat.
by providing an increased variety of low-fat and
convenient options. Consumer desire for healthy
snacks is resulting in an increasing variety of products
that are low-fat, low-salt and low- or no-cholesterol.
Availability
Crackers can be found in any grocery store or
can be made at home. Americans eat saltine crackers
the most—about two pounds per person annually.
However, saltine consumption is decreasing while
snack crackers are slowly increasing. Total annual
cracker consumption in the United States is about
eight pounds per person.
Recipe Roasted Red-Pepper Spread
Wheat Crackers 8 ounces nonfat sour cream
1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 7 ounce jar of roasted red-
½ cup whole-wheat flour peppers
½ cup sugar 4 ounces nonfat cream cheese
¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons butter or ½ tablespoon dried oregano
margarine, softened leaves
½-? cup milk, 1% 1 garlic clove, minced
Salt or sesame seeds
In food processor or electric blender, add all
(optional)
ingredients; blend just until red-peppers are finely
chopped. Pour into bowl and chill at least one hour.
Serve with fat-free or reduced fat crackers. Makes
Preheat oven to 325º approximately 18 tablespoon servings (1-ounce).
In a large bowl or food processor, combine
the flours, sugar and salt. Cut in butter until the Nutrient Analysis: One serving provides
mixture resembles coarse meal. approximately: 25 calories, 2 g protein, 4 g
carbohydrates, 0 g dietary fiber, 0 g fat, 0 mg
Blend in the milk slowly, adding just enough to
cholesterol, 3 mcg folate, 0 mg iron, 42 mg calcium,
form a dough that will hold together in a solid ball.
77 mg potassium and 41 mg sodium.
Divide the dough into 2 equal halves. On a floured
surface or pastry cloth, roll the dough thin, 1/16 to 1/8
inch. If desired, lightly sprinkle the tops with salt or
sesame seeds and gently roll over the dough with
rolling pin. With a sharp knife, cut the crackers into 2-
inch squares or use your favorite cookie cutter.
Transfer to an un-greased baking sheet. Prick each
cracker in 2 or 3 places with the tines of a fork.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crackers
are lightly browned. Cool on a rack. Yields 95 to 100
crackers; 8 crackers is one serving.
Nutrient Analysis: One serving (8 crackers)
provides approximately: 129 calories, 3 g protein, 23
g carbohydrates, 1 g dietary fiber, 3 g fat (1 g
saturated), 1 mg cholesterol, 25 mcg folate, 1 mg
iron, 22 g calcium, 53 mg potassium and 66 mg
sodium.
10841 S. Crossroads Drive
Suite 105
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303/840-8787 Fax: 303/840-6877
E-mail: wfc@wheatfoods.org
URL: www@wheatfoods.org
Revised 2005
