Cheddar-Parmesan Crackers with Apple-Pear Butter
36 crackers (9 servings)
1 1/2 cups apple-pear butter
- 1 cup (4 ounces) lower fat Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons water, more if needed
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In the bowl of a food processor, place all the ingredients except the butter and water. Pulse 5 times. Add the butter and pulse again until butter pieces are the size of BBs. Add the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse just until the dough holds together. If the dough is still crumbly, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Turn the dough out onto a large piece of waxed paper. Roll the dough into a log, 9 to 10 inches long and square off the ends. Refrigerate, well wrapped, for at least 2 hours and up to two days. To make the crackers, cut the log into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet one inch apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crackers are a light golden color. Turn the crackers and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, or until they are golden around the edges. Cool on a rack. Serve at room temperature.
Butter
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 medium pears, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the apples, pears, cider, brown sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon and turn the heat to high. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until there is no liquid left, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir fairly vigorously to smooth out the mixture and then let it cool to room temperature. (The butter will keep, tightly covered, for two weeks in the refrigerator.)
Tip: Don't have time to make this butter? Try a shortcut: Simply cream apple sauce and butter together in a mixing bowl and add cinnamon to taste.