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Monday, November 23, 2015

Homemade Olive Crackers

Make tasty Olive Crackers from scratch - so simple!
One of the best parts of the holidays is having everyone come together, eating and sharing stories.  


I love putting together an 'Apero-Dineatoire' - a French concept that is perfect for bringing everyone together and enjoying each others company.  The idea behind Apero-Dineatoire is that there is plenty to eat, all in small finger-food portions casually served in the living room.  Everyone relaxes and explores the array, grazing throughout the evening over stories and music.  Its the best!


Thank you to Mezzetta Foods for sponsoring today's article.


As part of the spread this holiday, I've made some homemade olive crackers using Mezzetta olives - they're great for dipping, or eating on their own.  They're addictive, and are simple to make.  

I like to split the preparation up into to parts: Start by making the dough in the morning, or the night before.  Then bake the crackers in the evening before the guests arrive.



Homemade Olive Crackers



INGREDIENTS:

3 cups unbleached flour
1 tsp dry yeast
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup milk

20 diced Mezzetta olives of your choice - I like using the Kalamata for this Mezzetta recipe


INSTRUCTIONS:

Part 1: Prep time = 5 minutes, Rest time 2+ hours

Pour the flour and yeast into into a large mixing bowl and stir together.  Using a wooden spoon stir in the olive oil, then the milk.  Mix it until you get a fairly well-blended mixture.  Then shape it into a ball (it will be roughly the texture of play-doh), place it back into the mixing bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  


Part 2: Prep time = 10 minutes, Bake time 10-20 minutes.

Once you're ready for the second step, preheat the oven to 400 F and oil a baking sheet. 

Remove the dough from the refrigerator, and gently mix in the olives.  If the dough is too firm to stir, let it warm up for a few minutes, and if it is still too hard to stir add a tablespoon of milk.  
Make tasty Olive Crackers from scratch - so simple!
Onto a floured working station - like a big cutting board so that cleanup is easier - place the dough and use a little of the excess flour to coat the outside and form a ball shape.  Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick, then slice it into the shape you'd like.  

For a casual evening simple rectangles or squares are an easy shape that give a cute rustic feel.  For a more formal event, use cookie cutters to make stars or rounds.  Place the shapes onto the baking sheet and put into the oven.  

Bake the crackers until they're lightly golden - around 10 minutes for a smaller shape and 20 minutes for a larger rectangle.

Serve the crackers with your favorite dip, or as part of an olive, antipasti or cheese tray.




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Interested in learning more about the Mezzetta family, who's been using their Italian traditions of bringing fresh sun-drenched produce to jars in your supermarket via their Napa Valley production site?  And how inspiration is just a twist away?

Or...interested in winning a Mezzetta Holiday Memories sharing pack, and an instant print digital camera?


CLICK HERE to enter to win!


• Grand Prize (1):

  • Instant Print Digital Camera 
  • Ultimate Olive Lover’s Gift Basket including Mezzetta Olives, Olive Spoon, Cutting Board, Olive Bowl, Cocktail Napkins and Recipe Card.


• Runner Up Prizes (10):

  • Ultimate Olive Lover’s Gift Basket including Mezzetta Olives, Olive Spoon, Cutting Board, Olive Bowl, Cocktail Napkins and Recipe Card.



Contest ends December 31, 2015.  Winners will be chosen at random, and will be notified and receive their prize within 2 weeks.



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What are some of your favorite holiday food memories?


Make tasty Olive Crackers from scratch - so simple!





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  3. last few days ago, I made Mezzetta olive crackers for my friends. After made this I noticed that, this olive crackers not baked properly but I don't understood why this happening. Then one day I saw your recipe on internet regarding this olive crackers and I found my solution. And finally I made this olive crackers properly by following your instruction. Thanks for sharing this excellent recipe! California Balsamic

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