1
["In a large bowl, mix flour and next four ingredients; set aside.", "In separate bowl, beat egg and oil, then stir into dry ingredients just until it forms a COARSE meal.", "Add the water as needed--1 tablespoon at a time--until dough comes together and can be formed into a ball.", "On lightly floured table, cut dough-ball in half (set one aside).", "Shape dough into a 12x12 square (use your hands), wrap with plastic; chill for 30 minutes; repeat with other dough-ball.", "Preheat oven to 375; lightly oil TWO baking sheets, then dust with flour.", "Roll out one dough square (retain it's shape as best you can), to a thickness of 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick throughout.", "THINNER will be crispier, more delicate.", "THICKER will be heartier, hold up to heavier toppings or dippings.", "Lightly prick every half-inch or so--all over--then sprinkle with additional salt, pepper or other flavorings (see variations below), then roll once or twice more--very lightly to press toppings into the dough.", "Cut the dough into desired shapes --", "-- One-inch squares for tiny snack crackers.", "-- Two x three for appetizer crackers.", "-- skinny ""straws"" for breadsticks.", "-- Six equal pieces for ""flatbread"" crackers.", "-- Cookie cutters for round, stylish, uniform shapes.", "Transfer to prepared baking pans; bake for 8 - 20 minutes (thickness depends).until uniformly browned.", "Check crackers after 8 minutes; ones along the edge may be ready sooner.", "Cool completely, store in an airtight tin.", "These will also freeze nicely; defrost at room temp for 2 hours.", "VARIATIONS:.", "Cheese Crackers -- add 3C shredded cheese (Cheddar, Asiago, Parmesan or any combination), along with 1/4C ground almonds, 1 tsp dry mustard after mixing the wet with the dry ingredients.", "Rosemary & Olive Oil Crackers -- Replace canola with olive oil, add 1 tsp rosemary after adding water.", "Sesame, Poppyseed, & Onion Crackers -- Saute 1C onion, 1 tsp salt in 1 T veg oil over med-hi heat until very brown; cool slightly, add BEFORE water.", "Before cutting, top the dough with 2 T. EACH poppy and sesame seeds, along with the salt."]