Semolina Crackers - Roasted Garlic & Coriander
Coarse semolina gives these crackers their wonderful crispy texture and nuttiness. Add to that extra virgin olive oil & sea salt and you have the base for Effie’s Semolina Crackers…with real flavor in every bite.
Our Roasted Garlic & Coriander Seed Crackers balance subtle roasted garlic with bright, lemon-y coriander. Try with tapenades, bold cheeses and cured meats.
- Food historians agree that small dry flat breads were probably first made in the Middle East. These foods staples were filling, easily transported and able to withstand diverse weather conditions. Ancient Romans called them “biscuits,” British sailors took “pilot’s bread” on long voyages, and Civil War soldiers packed “hardtack” in their rations. Regardless of their names they were all similar in preparation and ingredients.
- In 1801 Josiah Bent, a baker who made ship’s biscuits for Boston’s busy sea port, coined the word “cracker” when he noticed a crackling noise coming from his brick ovens. Inspired, he set out to convince the world of the product’s convenience food potential. Packing his “water crackers” in barrels he sold them in bulk to food shops. Restaurants and taverns began to serve them with soups. By 1810 his bakery was booming, and the word “cracker” became an American household word. Joan and Irene grew up in Milton Massachusetts, home of Bent’s cracker factory which still exists today.
- Semolina is the flour from durum hard wheat. It is high in protein but lower in gluten than regular wheat flour. Its cultivation most likely began in the Mediterranean and Middle East. It is coarse with a yellowish color and used widely in pastas, cereals and bread.
- The olive tree is native to the Middle East but is also widely grown in California today. Its deep root system ensures its survival in dry, arid climates. Besides food, olive oil has been used since ancient times for religious rituals, medicines, soap-making, and even lamp oil. Fragrant olive oils were used to make offerings to the gods, anoint royalty and to cure diseases. Homer called it “liquid gold” as it symbolized great wealth and power. Today there are approximately 19 classic styles of olive oil produced in the world. The most notable olives are Picual, Corantina, Koroneiki, Arbequina, Frantoio and Leccino.
- Both a vegetable and an herb, garlic has been used throughout the world and across cultures for thousands of years. As a member of the onion family it is related to leeks and shallots. Europeans brought it with them to the New World. Garlic has long been valued in cooking for its healthful properties while in folklore it is used to ward off evil spirits. Our roasted garlic comes from Gilroy, California, garlic capitol of the world and home of the famous Summer Garlic Festival.
- Coriander is the dried seed of the cilantro plant. It is sold whole or ground and has a flavor similar to a blend of lemon, sage, and caraway. It dates back as far as 5,000 BCE, making it one of the world's oldest spices. It is native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions and also has been found in Asian cuisines. Early physicians used coriander for medicinal purposes and as an aromatic stimulant. Crushed coriander seeds are a favorite Greek flavoring for olives. In the kitchen it is used widely as a spice in recipes ranging from preserving meats and pickling to baking.
Enriched semolina (semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, roasted garlic, coriander, sea salt.
Serving Size 4 crackers (31g), Servings Per Container about 6, Amount Per Serving: Calories 130, Calories from Fat 25, Total Fat 3g (5% DV), Saturated Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 310mg (13% DV), Total Carbohydrate 22g (7% DV), Dietary Fiber 1g (4% DV), Sugars 0g, Protein 4g, Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (0% DV), Calcium (0% DV), Iron (2% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
• Sharp or dry-aged cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan
• Cured meats
• Mediterranean-flavored dips and spreads
THE BOSTON GLOBE
Homemade crackers from an old southern Italian recipe
March 14, 2012|By Ann Trieger Kurland
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The oatcakes are such a great, delicious, healthy alternative to all the junk in the stores. They seem to saisfy all taste buds. Keep them coming!