Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Spicy parmigiano crackers - curry, cumin & chili

I am late for the event of A Taste of Yellow, hope the host, Barbara of winosandfoodies would still kindly let me in. I've been suffering from sinus congestion due to hayfever, I can't smell, cook and even sleep. But I did have a touching moment when I was reading a few A Taste of Yellow's posts from you guys! Your courage and spirit are powerful! I don't have a story to share except this recipe, would like to be a tiny part of it to help to raise awareness about cancer.

These flaky crackers have a touch of spice. I have made three versions - curry powder, crispy chili and cumin. But you can use whatever you fancy or available in your spice rack.

Recipe: (yield 30pcs of 3 x 3cm mini crackers)

*adapt a recipe of biscottini speziati from Sale & Pepe maggio 2007)*
  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 4 Tbps cold butter, sliced
  • 3 Tbps grated parmigiano-reggiano
  • a pinch of salt
  • a few drops cold milk
  • some spices. I used store-bought Madras curry powder, store-bought crispy chili in oil, and cumin

Direction:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and cheese. Drop in cold butter, use a pastry blender to cut it into flour mixture until it resembles the size of small bean. Add a bit of cold milk just enough for a dough to form, knead briefly if necessary. Don't be tempted to add too much milk as excessive liquid will yield a tough crackers. Press dough into a flat disk, wrap with a plastic wrap and chill in fridge for at least 30 minute.
  • Pre-heat oven to 350F. Slightly flour the work table. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thick (cover and rest the dough for 10 minutes if you feel it refuse to spread). Cut it into 3 x 3cm square with a ravioli cutter. Lay the squares on a large baking tray, sprinkle the spices on the top.
  • Bake for 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

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32 comments:

Warda said...

I was wondering the store today and I taught about making some crackers my self. I think these fragrant crackers are going to be the first crackers I am going to atempt. Hope you are doing better Gattina. Take it easy.

Anh said...

Gattina, hope you get better soon... The crackers are really beautiful :)

Unknown said...

Gattina get well soon. Thank you for the entry. I must ry making crackers someday. These look delicious.

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Each and everyone of these spices look like a fabulous take on a glorious cracker. Beautiful!

Mishmash ! said...

Everytime you have something or the other to get me stuck with ur photos...sometimes its a dish, or a serving platter, or a placemat or the photograph itself. This time, its all of the above!! lovely colours.!!

And hey,. get well sooooooonnnnnn :)
Think Happy Thoughts and SMILE :)

Shn

Pooja said...

hi Gattina,
You are a Master of Baking i must say.thi looks so yummy... as usual, you pics are great too. ! just making my mouth water... :D .
hey dear, take care of your se;f and get well soon, out wihes are with you :)
stay tuned
-Pooja

Suganya said...

Hay one again u have proved that u r a GREAT BAKER...Wat else can i tell?....Gorgeous work...

Helene said...

Hope you feel better soon. These look wonderful, I can only imagine how great they must taste.

SteamyKitchen said...

I love the colors in the photograph and the lovely layers in the crackers

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Those crackers look gorgeous! I love curry and parmesan cheese, so I'm bookmarking this wonderful recipe...

Kajal@aapplemint said...

awe...pls get well soon and thank for you posting such lovely crackers for the Livestrong event.Love all the 3 flavours u have used and actually would love to try them out.

Gattina Cheung said...

Rose, thank you. If you like spicy food, this one won't disappoint you :D

Anh, thanks my buddy!

Barbara, thanks for your kindness :D I will "see" you again at the round-up!

Tanna, thank you! I do like each spice... I always like food with a lot of seasoning too :D

Shn, oh thank you for all the sweet words :D Yes, will listen to you!

Pooja, thank you sweetheart! Sorry I was confused and thought you're flying to the States. But I will stay tune :D

Sukanya, oh you are so sweet! I used to bake many pie, and this cracker use the pie-crust making method, so it is quite easy for me :D

Helen, thanks sweetie! Spicy-er better for me :D

Jaden, thanks for your sweet words!

Rosa, thank you! It is a versatile recipe, can replace the spices with any herb. Have fun!

Saffron said...

Gattina, tonight I meet Francesca in central Rome...these crackers are perfect for an aperitif together!
A big hug!

Lis said...

Prettiest crackers EVER! I love the different flavors and the flakiness.. I'll bet they are to die for with some good cheese and fruit. YUM!

I am sad you haven't been feeling well.. I hope the sinus problems get better soon! *hug*

Also, I think this is a perfect submission for A Taste of Yellow. =)

xoxo

Anonymous said...

very greedy and spicy SLURP!

FH said...

Get well soon G! Hugs.

Oh YUM!!! My kinda treat! Look at all those great combination of spices!Thanks Gattina:)

Anonymous said...

Oh these crackers sound amazing - I much prefer the idea of making them at home rather than buying them!

I hope you feel better soon!

The Culinary Chase said...

Oh, yum! These look good! Hope you're feeling better.

DEEPA said...

hey gattina ....hope you get well soon ..the crackers are great and pics are excellent

Unknown said...

*Hug Hug* Hope you'll get better real soon. And these crackers looks delicious!

Kelly-Jane said...

Your crackers look really yummy. Now if I could sample one (a few!) of each that would be lovely :)

Unknown said...

They look lovely. I just bought this garlic and herb spices recently. Maybe I would try this out soon. =)

Sharmi said...

Hi , I am first time in your blog and glad that I found it. You have a beautiful blog with amazing recipes and awesome pics. wanted to comment on each and every recipe , but let me start from here.
I got so many ideas from your recipes. they all have a beautiful presentation. I too live in NJ.:)

Mandira said...

I hope you are feeling better Gattina. The crackers look so delicious. The colors are gorgeous.

Susan from Food Blogga said...

I don't ever buy crackers. but I'd make these in a minute! They must be so flavorful and fragrant with the curry and cumin. Thanks for another innovative recipe! Hope you're feeling better soon. :)

Chris said...

Oh Gattina - feel better soon! Cooking while sick? You're amazing. Just like these fabulous crackers! They look so tasty!

Anonymous said...

I too have terrible hay fever right now. I've been very tired and feel like I'm moving in slow motion! I love crackers, and these look perfect to me!

Anonymous said...

Hope you are already feeling better Gattina! These crackers look wonderful and I will bookmark this for my next cocktails :)

Cynthia said...

This recipe is definitely a keeper. Can't wait to try it.

Hope you feel better soon.

Anonymous said...

Gattina,
That's a great entry! The little crackers are so cute and what wonderful flavors! Sounds delicious! I hope you feel better soon. :)

Patricia Scarpin said...

I'd love to have some of these to nibble right now, Gattina! They look fantastic!

Deborah Dowd said...

These look really delicious... cheese and crackers all in one! I'm going to give it a try!