Crackers à la Moutarde

Inviting friends and family over to enjoy an aperitif is part and parcel of France’s special art de vivre. I always enjoyed these special moments, talking, sharing a special drink and tasting a few delicious bites of cheese, charcuterie, veggies and crackers. And summer is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy this oh-so-French ritual. These small mustardy crackers will make a great addition to your aperitif à la française, et voilà:

Crackers à la moutarde – Mustardy crackers

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
• ½ lb. grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1-1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION:

1. Place butter and cheese into a food processor and process until smooth.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until a ball of dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into two.
4. Place each portion on a sheet of waxed paper and roll into 8-inch-long logs. Wrap them in the waxed paper. Then wrap the logs in foil.
5. Place in the freezer and freeze for 2 hours or until firm.
6. Preheat over to 350 F.
7. Butter two baking sheets. Cut the logs crosswise into ¼-inch slices and place on the sheets. Keep them about 1 inch apart because they will spread a bit while baking.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are just golden brown. Remove and cool on racks.