Homemade Wine Crackers with Fresh Basil and Pine Nuts: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Snacking
Are you weary of shelling out excessive amounts of money for organic snack foods that can be both bland and uninspiring? Look no further, as this delightful recipe for homemade wine crackers is not only easy to prepare but also a delectable alternative that can elevate your snacking experience. Perfectly crisp and bursting with the flavors of fresh basil and pine nuts, these crackers can be enjoyed on their own, paired with your favorite cheese, or served alongside a charcuterie board. Let’s dive into the art of creating these wonderful morsels that can be tailored to your taste preferences.
Recipe Overview
Total Time: 38 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Recipe Category: Breads
Servings: Yields 24 crackers
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious wine crackers, meticulously selected to deliver a punch of flavor while keeping the process straightforward.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Pine nuts | 2 tablespoons, toasted |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon |
| Wine (Sauvignon preferred) | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Coarse sea salt | For sprinkling |
| Kosher salt | For dusting |
Nutritional Information (per cracker)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35.3 |
| Total Fat | 1.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 48.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 0.1 g |
| Protein | 0.7 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of delicious wine crackers. Each step is crafted to ensure that you achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving that delightful crispiness without overcooking the crackers.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, finely chopped fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, salt, and ground black pepper. This mixture serves as the flavorful base of your crackers, so ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the wine and olive oil. For a delightful twist, feel free to experiment with different wine varieties—Sauvignon works beautifully here, but options such as Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chardonnay can yield unique flavors.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wine and olive oil mixture to the flour mixture, incorporating it slowly. Use a fork to gently toss the ingredients together until they form a cohesive dough. It’s normal for the dough to appear somewhat dry at this stage.
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Form the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface, and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough just until it comes together, ensuring you don’t overwork it.
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Roll the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a thin rectangle approximately 12 inches by 9 inches, with a thickness between 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch. This thinness is crucial for achieving that satisfying crunch in each cracker.
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Cut the Crackers: With a sharp knife or a crinkle cutter, slice the rolled dough into 24 individual crackers. The crinkle cutter not only gives a charming appearance but also helps the crackers crisp up nicely.
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Prick the Crackers: Using a fork, prick each cracker several times. This step allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the crackers from puffing up excessively.
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Arrange for Baking: Carefully spread the prepared crackers onto an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. This will allow them to bake uniformly.
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Season: Lightly sprinkle the tops of the crackers with coarse sea salt. This step adds a touch of flavor that perfectly complements the herbs and wine.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as you want the crackers to be firm and just beginning to brown without burning.
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Cool: Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on wire racks. This cooling process is essential, as it further crisps them up and enhances their texture.
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Store: Once cooled, these crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring you have a tasty snack on hand whenever cravings strike.
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Explore Flavor Variations: For those feeling adventurous, try substituting the basil with other fresh herbs such as tarragon, rosemary, or even dry mustard, and explore different wine options to discover your favorite flavor combinations. Some suggested variations include:
- Riesling with fresh snipped tarragon and a touch of paprika
- Cabernet Sauvignon with fresh snipped rosemary
- Champagne with dry mustard
- Chardonnay with crushed fennel seed
Conclusion
In just a few steps, you can create a batch of delightful homemade wine crackers that are not only cost-effective but also brimming with fresh flavors that elevate your snacking game. With their crispy texture and the perfect balance of herbs and wine, these crackers are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your newfound skill in making snacks that taste as good as they look, and remember, the options are limitless when it comes to customizing this recipe to suit your palate.
