Graham Crackers

One of the things I miss the most, being vegan, is graham crackers. My family buys them by the case at Cosco, and I LOVE eating them in the winter (melting in hot cocoa or coffee), as well as in the summer (encasing melted chocolate and squishy marshmallows).

So, from the book 'Sweet Vegan' by Emily Mainquist, I stole this graham cracker recipe:

VEGAN AGAVE GRAHAM CRACKERS

Prep. Time: About 1.5 - 2 hours
Bake Time: 13-15 minutes
Store Time: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks

1/2 c. white, unbleached flour
2 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 c. evaporated cain juice (I used Sugar in the Raw) (Plus extra for later)
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
4 T. butter substitute (I used Earth Balance -- soy free)
2 T. agave
1 T. molasses
1/4 c. water

1. In a stand mixer, combine the dry ingredients (flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon). Once they are combined nicely, set the mixer to medium speed, and add the butter substitute one tablespoon at a time, and combine until the mix looks like course sand.
2. In a small separate bowl, whisk the agave, molasses, and water together.
3. With the mixer on medium-low speed, pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, and let the mixture run until all the ingredients come together and form a ball. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap, and chill 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
4. After the dough has chilled, remove from the fridge, and lightly flour a work surface. Place dough ball on work surface and roll out as thin as possible. Using either a knife or a cookie cutter, cut dough into any shapes you like. Place the crackers on greased cookie sheets, about 1 inch apart. Prick the crackers with a fork,  brush with water, and sprinkle with extra cain sugar.
5. Bake for 13-15 minutes. The crackers should be crisp when done.

These crackers are textured slightly differently than regular store-bought graham crackers. The whole wheat flour really comes out in the flavor and in the texture, making them very flaky and grainy. The agave is subtle, but really comes out aromatically. They aren't overpowering in sweetness, so they work great for a little snack. All in all, the crackers are a fantastic replacement for honey grahams from the store.