Crackers

It's a cold morning in January and you're bored, what do you do? I made crackers.

There was a chain restaurant in the 80s that I loved to go to, I think it was Darryl's, that served a basket of homemade crackers on the table instead of a bread basket. I loved those crackers.

And who knew that they were so easy to make? Not me. But, I discovered that a friend makes the crackers used in the communion at church, and she assured me they were easy.

I went online and found this recipe on Cooks.com.

Saltine Crackers

2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp salt*
2/3 c milk
2 Tbs cold butter
1/2 tsp baking soda

Combine the dry ingredients, cut in the butter, then stir in the milk. Form into a ball and knead briefly. Divide dough into several pieces and place on a floured board. Roll very thin and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pierce with a fork. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

My first attempt was very tough, but then I discovered, as usual when a recipe fails, the fault lay with me. I used baking powder instead of baking soda. The second batch was excellent.

Creamy and Delicious

As a child, I loved bad weather days because my mother would make creamy tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Campbell's tomato soup, a gelatinous can shaped blob, diluted with whole milk and served with a american cheese on white bread toasted in cheap margarine...and I loved it.

I had never made tomato soup from scratch until I tried the Pioneer Woman recipe and enjoyed it. I made a few adjustments to suit my taste, and now I make it regularly.

Creamy Tomato Soup

6 tbs unsalted butter
1 medium sweet onion
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
64 oz tomato juice
3-6 tbs sugar, depending on tartness of tomatoes
3/4 cup (or more if needed) heavy cream

Melt butter in soup pot. Add onions and cook on low heat until translucent. Add tomatoes and juice and bring to a boil. Stir in sugar, tasting between each addition until bitterness is gone. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add cream and serve.



Served with a grilled cheese of sour dough bread, sharp cheddar and bacon, toasted in butter.

Oh, Mom, wouldn't you have loved it?