Baking with Clabber Girl

 Ott,A is at it again with this month's Iron Chef Challenge! April is sponsored by Clabber Girl.

Baking Powder is something I use all the time. Who hasn't eaten the baking powder biscuits? In my opinion, the recipe on the back of the can makes the best biscuits! But really, baking powder is used in so many sweet and savory recipes, I had a hard time figuring out which recipe to use for the challenge. After a lot of debate (and the husband begging for some kind of cake or sweet treat) I decided to go with something I make all the time in so many varities. I don't know where this recipe originated, but I'm going to guess from the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook I have from the late 70's. I've bought the newer ones, but I always keep going back to the first one I owned. I haven't looked at the actual recipe in years because it's so easy to remember! And the recipe is so easy I make it all the time. This is one of those go-to recipes I have when company is going to be coming over; people are always so impressed that I make my own crackers. I never tell anyone how easy they are, but I guess the secret is out now!

Spicy Cheese Crackers

What you'll need:
1/2 c butter (or use olive oil spread for a Mediterranean twist)
1 1/2 c flour
1/2 t salt + salt to sprinkle on top
1 t Clabber Girl Baking Powder
Dash of chili powder (or your favorite seasoning)
Dash of crushed red pepper (again, can substitute for other seasoning)
2 c cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese, just don't use soft cheese like ricotta!)

To begin, put the flour and butter in the food processor and process until it looks like cornmeal.

Next add in the salt and baking powder; process about 2-3 seconds.

Then add your seasonings and cheese. Process until well incorporated.

Form the dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Take out of the refrigerator and shape into log. Cut into slices (just smaller than 1/4") and bake at 400 for 10 minutes. Take out of the oven and turn crackers over and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. Let cool and serve!

I made these to go with chili. This is my favorite version of the crackers because of all the flavors it adds!

Other versions and optional ingredients I've used include:
Olive oil spread, oregano, basil, Parmesan and Romano cheese
Colby Jack cheese with peppers
Sun dried tomatoes
jalapeno slices
olives

The possibilities are endless! A big thanks to Ott,A and Clabber Girl for sponsoring this month's Iron Chef Challenge!

Make sure to visit the fantastic blog parties on my sidebar, and of course, link up all your made from scratch recipes on my Tuesday linky-Made From Scratch Tuesday!