Oatmeal Seed Crackers

 I have a soft spot for crackers.  I love textures and some crunch.  I don't like buying box crackers as I like having control over the ingredients. These crackers can be served with any number of toppings.  They're great  for snacks, appetizers, and for when you're on the go.
People think that making crackers is difficult, but actually they are quite easy.
These particular crackers are vegan and gluten free.
Below I have two variations for my favorite crackers. I hope you give them a try

Preheat oven to 350

 2 cups old fashioned oatmeal

3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
 1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup hemp hearts


11/2 cups warm water
1/3 cup sustainable red palm oil or coconut
     oil, melted and slightly cooled
2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients.
Mix into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Set aside for about 15 minutes for the dry ingredients to soak up the wet ones.
On a parchment lined rimmed cookie sheet, spoon half the mixture down the center and cover with a second piece of parchment.
Pat to spread.  Using a rolling pin, spread mixture into a thin layer all the way to the sides of the pan. Remove top parchment and trim any excess. Roll again if not thin enough.  Repeat with second pan (or even third if making the full recipe)
You can lightly score the crackers to desired size, or simply break them apart randomly.
Bake about 30 minutes or until desired crispness is achieved.  The thinner you roll it our the crisper it will get. If the outer couple of inches crisps first, but the center needs more time, I break these off and return the remainder to the oven.
Store in a baggie. These keep well.
Excellent alone or with all kinds of dips and spreads.

*****Sometimes the outer edge gets crisp and the center remains soft.  I break off the outside crisp pieces and return the rest to the oven until center crisps.

*****This will make a large batch, but this recipe can be easily cut in half.

VARIATION: (or you can make a pan of each)!
For a sweeter variety, (to the second half of the mix) add 3 Tablespoons additional maple syrup
Also add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans.