In the course of my Thermomix demonstrations, I come across a lot of different dietary needs or allergies so there is often a need to change or adapt the recipes accordingly. The most common allergy in Ireland is gluten allergy. I think this is where the proportion of coeliacs per capita is the highest in the world! So when I can’t make the yeast bread at a demo, I have found that these crackers are a perfect replacement. They are extremely tasty and easy to make. This recipe comes from Bernie Brennan, a consultant demonstrator from Galway, who herself has gluten allergy. Even if you are not coeliac, give these a go, they are so delicious!
Ingredients
120g whole almonds
35g seeds of choice (sunflower, chia, linseed or flax seeds, hemp seeds, psyllium husks or a mix of these…)
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper or piment d’Espelette or chilli powder
1/2 tsp salt (I omit of the cheese is already salty)
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 sprig of rosemary, leaves only
150g cheese (Parmesan, Manchego, Pecorino pr any form full flavoured cheese)
2 cloves garlic
30g melted coconut oil or rapeseed oil or sunflower oil
1 tbsp water
Method
- Preheat the oven at 180C (fan) or 200C (non fan).
- Grind all the ingredients except the oil and water at speed 10 until ground down.
- Add oil and water. Mix 15 sec/speed 4.
- Empty out onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Put another piece of parchment paper on top (so it doesn’t stick to your spatula) and flatten with a flat spatula or the back of a spoon. It should be about 3mm thick.
- Score with a knife to mark squares.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes – they may need longer depending on how moist the mixture was. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover with baking parchment.
- Remove from the oven and transfer onto a cooling rack. Break into squares and keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Eat on its own or with any dips/patés/cheese you like. I served with some Philadelphia/Roquefort/Walnut paté and it is divine!
