Today is a special day because we get to unveil the September challenge of Crackers and Dip. Whoa, is it even possible to make crackers? Can't you only buy them in the store? Hey, don't laugh, that's what I thought at first. I mean I knew someone (like elves) HAD to have made them for us to eat.... but me? (points to self*) Good thing I'm rather Daring :)Special thanks goes out to Natalie from Gluten a Go Go, and Shelly from Musings from a Fishbowl for hosting this event. We have a bunch of firsts here... a savory event for me, and a gluten/vegan challenge. One of the stipulations of this challenge was that the dip had to be gluten free and vegan... which isn't too difficult actually, but it limits maybe you're common dip experiences. Let's just say I had to spend a little time brainstorming and asking some friends some ideas :) That's what friends are for.
We had quite a bit of creative freedom when it came to flavors and seasoning. In my personal tasting opinion, one of them worked for me, and the other... worked... but not as well for me :)
I chose to go with regular crackers with AP flour, because that's what I have on hand, and season them with sea salt and sesame seeds, so we have a bit of salty crunch going on. I actually enjoyed kneading the dough, taking out any stress I had, and they came out nicely, with a little crunch... perfect for watching football.
For the dip I was going to go with caramelized maple onion hummus, to get ourselves a little sweet thing. Who doesn't like salty and sweet? What I bascially did was substitute carmalized onions for garlic, maple syrup for the tahini, and a little olive oil and veggie stock to loosen it all up. So I'm throwing the ingredients in the blender, whistling away as I work... and I flick on the blender switch.
And I flick on the blender switch. And I flick on the blender switch. Nothing. What the?
Oh the blender is busted. Bummer. So we have mashed up by hand chunky style hummus now. Did it work? Yeah it was ok, I just wish I had it a little smoother is all :)
So, I'd say another awesome baking experience is in the books. Thanks to the Daring Bakers for having this great group of friendly, smiling friends, with one common goal... to live dangerously tasty :) Want to join up? Go to the Daring Bakers Page, and be part of the movement :)
Things I learned: (Just like last month)
-Making crackers is rather easy
-Sometimes electrical appliances fail
-Maple syrup really can go on alot of stuff (remember Elf?)
-Once again, I had a blast doing things outside my normal comfort zone
Oh and I made Grasshopper Mint Eclairs last month, check those bad boys out if you can handle it :)
Comments
Love this month's Daring Bakers Challenge, for sure - so fun!! Glad you enjoyed it.
And I know it's a little late, but yes I do need a hug after the Steelers lost, especially to Philly. I just hope we can beat Baltimore on Monday night! Hopefully the Jets beat Arizona (Yes, I had to Google their schedule haha)
;-P
Using maple syrup in savory recipes seems to be getting more and more popular, so I think you're right on track. I love maple.
Too bad about the blender. Are you going to buy a new blender now? Or a food processor?
Your "textured" hummus sounds really good with the maple syrup. I think it's time to use the maple syrup a friend brought back from Canada.
So where are you gonna do your cocktails, now that you don't have a blender?
I'm so happy you're a DBer as well!!!
Btw, the link to Natalie's blog is incorrect.
Haha about the elves making the crackers too!
That maple-onion hummus sounds really interesting.
Sorry about your blender, but making hummus in a blender is such a pain...margaritas on the other hand...One piece of advice. Do NOT buy a Black & Decker one. I bought it because of its gorgeous red color and it is the worst. Even a tiny amount of stuff sloshes to the top. Stick with an Oster for a cost-friendly one.
Those eclairs looked wonderful too. Well done!!!