Sometimes I go to write a post and I think to myself, “Is this too unrelatable?” I feel like this one might be one of those posts that crosses the line a bit to crazytown. If it is, just disregard it.

I have written previously about how I don’t give my kids snacks throughout the day (other than the afternoon “gouter”) in order that they eat better during meals and grow in their love and appreciation for food. Most days, this is easily done. However, there is one scenario that I regret this decision. And that is on park days. I get so used to never having to tote food around that I forget that the majority of parents with kids don’t live like this and it is always most obvious on days we go to the park. Whether we are meeting friends or just going as the girls and I, there are always children eating snacks and my poor kids feel completely neglected. And it is the only time when I feel bad for them. It’s so pathetic when they see other children snacking on goldfish, puree pouches, and granola bars, and ask me if they can have a snack to which I reply that I’m sorry but I didn’t bring any food. They then do this slow shuffle closer and closer to the children who are eating in the hopes that they might get some scraps. It’s a really sad sight and I truly do feel awful. But with all that said, it is not awful enough for me to start buying all kinds of snacks wrapped in waste. However, homemade crackers have been on my radar for a while but I’ve never gotten around to making them since they always seemed a bit extra. Would I ever really be that far gone to make crackers from scratch? Turns out, I would. The crestfallen looks on my girls’ faces during “park snack” time has officially done it for me. So, I decided to give it a try and turns out, they’re really easy. Making them will not be added to my weekly routine but I will definitely be making some to always have on hand to grab out of the freezer when we’re heading out the door to the park. The recipe I used was a huge success and loved by all. I made them with whole wheat flour, were a little softer than a store bought cracker but tasted like a Cheez-it. Here’s the recipe I used:

Homemade Crackers
1 cup flour
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
whole milk

Preheat to 400 degrees
Pulse flour, salt, cheese and butter in food processor until combined
Slowly add milk until the mixture sticks together but is not sticky (shouldn’t take more than a few tablespoons)
On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to a 1/4″ thick rectangle
Place it on a stone baking sheet or other prepared baking sheet and cut into squares using a pizza cutter. Then score each square with a fork.
Bake until lightly browned (about 10-15 mins)

I plan on setting aside some time to make a few batches to freeze now that park weather has arrived. They are delicious as is but next time I will chop some chives to add to the dough, in order to switch things up. The flavor possibilities are endless.