Homemade wheat thins. I jumped at the idea of re-creating them at home.
Yesterday’s sandwich gave way to this easy and reddish hummus. Just add some roasted red peppers to the processor while making regular hummus. I can end my post right here I guess.
But then, I wouldn’t be able to tell you how great it is with some homemade wheat thins.
I don’t know if I ever mentioned that I lived near Palo Alto, CA for two years when I was a teenager. Went to school and everything. Learned to understand english without translating it to Spanish first, as I did during the first months there.
I certainly didn’t want to, but my comprehension took a while to develop; that is until english just took over and I even dreamt in that language.
I certainly didn’t want to, but my comprehension took a while to develop; that is until english just took over and I even dreamt in that language.
But, newly arrived, it was a pain trying to listen to the radio or go to a movie. Not to mention taking notes in class about a biology documental, which ended up being mostly in Spanish, the note-taking that is, leading to Mr. Thompson, my biology teacher, calmly explaining to me that the class was in english and how was it that I spoke it so well but didn’t take notes in english. ‘It’s just the way my brain works’, I tried to explain to him. ‘By the time my imaginary translation is done, the documental is on a different subject and I can’t keep up with it’.
The joys of living abroad and learning to be fluent in another language.
Though when you are a teenager there’s nothing joyous about it. I can imagine many of you nodding regarding those two last sentences.
Anyway, something that I remember and make a point of eating every time I visit the US, are Wheat Thins. Probably my favorite crackers in the world. Highly, highly addictive and one of those things I’m happy to not be able to buy here.
It’s like honey-roasted peanuts, I can’t stop once I open the tin. So I just don’t buy them.
The idea of making these homemade salty crackers had been floating in my mind ever since I made some sesame sables and got a somewhat similar taste of my beloved thins. But that was pure coincidence, so I toyed with the idea of making them from scratch at home. Well, it never happened.
Until this recipe came along, courtesy of the wickedly talented smitten kitchen. The search is finally over and I didn’t have to do a thing, except try to roll them as thinly as possible to achieve that wonderful cracker the way it’s supposed to be. And not to embarrass Deb, who specifically suggests aiming at thin crackers.
I can even say I rolled them too thin and hopelessly burned my first batch. The second was almost burned. The third time’s a charm they say and it was true. I lowered the oven a bit and watched them like a hawk. Literally waited the 5 to 7 minutes they take to bake in front of the oven door. Few things are so annoying as a perfectly made recipe that ends up being inedible.
Just so that you understand if you decide to make these, don’t suddenly decide to go find a scarf you misplaced or answer an e-mail that’s been sitting in your inbox for an hour as you put these crackers in the oven. Just a
warning. He who warns is not a traitor.
warning. He who warns is not a traitor.
Let’s just say that homemade wheat thins together with the roasted red pepper hummus is a flavor wonder.
For the homemade wheat thins recipe go to this link. I followed the recipe exactly and added extra salt before baking.
For the hummus recipe, I used this one and added 3 Tbs roasted red peppers. But you can add, taste and see if you like more or less red in it.
Jeannie Tay says
June 26, 2013 at 06:49Looks good Paula, I baked some using another recipe recently…have to give this a try too:)
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
October 8, 2012 at 07:41Paula, these wheat carckers look terrific – perfect for just about any time of the day, maybe with some cheese or fruit or with dips such as your lovely red pepper hummus. What a great recipe and picture perfect presentation! I would never have your patience and cust and prick them so flawlessly!
P.S.:I can relate to your studies abroad story…I studied for my two law degrees "in a foreign country" (with more than one official language) and I could be seen running around with two big fat dictionaries under my arms for the first months of my studies – kind of became my "trademark" for a while. Life is the best teacher!
wp_vknotes_admin says
October 8, 2012 at 09:45As a teenager it´s hard, but I´ve always been grateful for learning english well. Two law degrees? Impressive Andrea!
Terra says
October 7, 2012 at 23:04Your wheat thins look just like the store bought crackers, that rocks:-) Wheat thins are my favorite, but I would so rather have homemade crackers:-) YUM! Hugs, Terra
Cake Duchess says
October 7, 2012 at 20:16gorgeous wheat crackers and hummus.I love to snack on hummus often during the week and will try your yummy recipe:)
Cocoa and Lavender says
October 7, 2012 at 17:01Paula – you have had an amazing life, living in so many places! You should write. Book in addition to your blog! These crackers look great, and I can only imagine that they kick the store bought ones in the b*tt! I can't wait to make them. ~David
Guyla says
October 7, 2012 at 13:46Oh Paula, your homemade crackers look delicious! And now I'm sorry I didn't add red peppers to my hummus. Guess I'll have to make it again. I can't even imagine your experience as a teenager in school in a foreign country. Hope your weekend has been a good one.
wp_vknotes_admin says
October 7, 2012 at 16:59Thanks Guyla!
Laura says
October 7, 2012 at 04:22Growing up I didn't like Wheat Thins. Then I tried them with cheese. Oh my. Yours look fantastic!
Cher Rockwell says
October 6, 2012 at 23:44Wow, I can't even imagine what school must have been like during those two years. Kathy is right – your English is impeccable!
Love the homemade crackers 🙂
wp_vknotes_admin says
October 7, 2012 at 16:58It´s not fun when you´re a teenager, but at least I speak english well!
yummychunklet says
October 6, 2012 at 19:37Ooh, I like the look of the crackers. Tasty!
Guru Uru says
October 6, 2012 at 19:32Your crackers look absolutely perfect with the hummus my friend, great job 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Marissa | Pinch & Swirl says
October 6, 2012 at 17:15I bookmarked that Smitten Kitchen post too – I love Wheat Thins, but don't like the ingredient label much. 🙂 Yours turned out beautifully.
wp_vknotes_admin says
October 7, 2012 at 16:57They´re so easy Marissa, do try them.
Cathleen says
October 6, 2012 at 16:00I need to give hummus a try as well as these crackers. They are a favorite of ours as well – we have gone through many, many boxes in the past. Your crackers look absolutely perfect!!
Matt mmWine Horbund says
October 6, 2012 at 14:09I have still never made Hummus – but i like the idea. I think I'd add sun dried tomatoes and garlic!!
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
October 6, 2012 at 14:07Paula, adored this post reading you talk about coming to school here in the US. I love getting to know people through their lovely stories of themselves! What a wonderful experience for you! You are so lucky to be fluent in two languages. I love these crackers and the hummus! Red Pepper Hummus is my favorite, and I can't wait to try the wheat thins! Have a great weekend!
wp_vknotes_admin says
October 7, 2012 at 16:57Oh Carol, I absolutely feel the same about meeting people through their posts!
Kathy says
October 6, 2012 at 11:14Paula, I always suspected you had an English education….your English is impeccable! Spending 2 years as a teenager in a foreign country had to be hard! At the same time, I’m sure it was a wonderful experience to live in another country and observe another culture. I have always wanted to do that!
Your crackers look so perfect…and so delicious! I often add roasted red peppers to my hummus. So very good! Have a wonderful weekend!
wp_vknotes_admin says
October 7, 2012 at 16:56Thanks Kathy, such a sweet comment. It´s great to learn another language and culture, but not easy to understand the concept when you´re 14!