My dad has always been a foodie. Back in the day he was a ladies man too. His cooking adventures started in highschool, cooking elaborate meals for romantic dates. I’m pleased to say his cooking efforts are subject to a higher calling now – helping a working mother feed her family.

Head Chef Tony

I am pleased to be an Official Taster to the VH Family Test Kitchen. My father Tony is Head-Chef and my son (Wade, aka Bear) is Taster #2. (My husband agreeably eats what is made.) Even at 19 months of age, Wade has an extensive history of Tasting.

here tasting paleo strawberry shortcake

He started at 8 months with a sweet potato – leek – chicken – reduction and has moved on from there. This is one of his most memorable tastings last year when he was 10 months old. He is sharing a taste with Chef/Grandpa Tony.

A memorable ribs tasting

Head-chef Tony was recently tasked with creating the Perfect Paleo Cracker. Although seemingly insurmountable, he was not only agreeable, but eager to begin. Several recipe variations were carefully tested and rated. Rating criteria included: taste, texture, appearance, ease of preparation and ability to hold up under peanut butter. This recipe is his result. This recipe can be modified (by you) to become sweet or savory, chewy or crunchy. Try it and let us know what you think!

Recipe:

1 cup of blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
1 egg white
¼ tsp salt
3 tsp sesame seeds

gather your ingredients

1. Set oven to 325 degrees. Convection ovens will register to 300 degrees.
   Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds on high heat in non-stick pan for about 1.5 minutes. Make sure you keep them moving in the pan. Note: When you remove the pan from heat the seeds will continue to brown. Better to “under” than “over” toast.
   

   toast those seeds!

2. Separate egg white from yolk and beat the white vigorously.
   

   just beat it!

3. Add salt to the almond flour and stir. Then add egg white and stir till combined.
   

   combine the dry ingredients

   

   add egg and shape into dough

4. Shape dough for rolling and place on a sheet of parchment. Place a second sheet of parchment on top of the the dough and roll to desired thickness – about 1/8”.
   

   parchment rocks

   

   rolled out dough

5. Remove top parchment and score dough with a knife, spatula or pizza cutter to desired cracker shape; sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. If you enjoy glossy crackers, brush the dough with a little egg white. Then slide parchment and scored crackers on to a baking sheet.
   

   score em

   

   pull onto baking sheet

6. Bake for 14 minutes rotating the parchment on the baking sheet 180 degrees half-way thru baking.
   

   baking

7. At 14 minutes, test for desired crispness. Depending on how thick you have rolled out the dough, you may need another 4 to 6 minutes of baking. The edges will brown and crisp up first. Watch closely as the dough begins to brown faster at this point.
   

   ta-da! paleo toasted cracker goodness!

8. When the desired texture and brownness have reached, let the crackers cool, then separate and enjoy!
   

   what’s your favorite way to eat?

Try experimenting with savory crackers, adding cayenne, chili, sage, or herbs. Or go for a sweet version with cinnamon and a dusting of coconut sugar.