You know, it’s not enough that we mums multi-task, the food we buy has to multi-task too (hey, we’re mums, we need all the help we can get!). So we’ve decided that crackers are going to be our go-to grub this summer.
You can’t beat a good cracker, can you? And if it’s a good cracker, a really good cracker, toppings aren’t even necessary – that satisfying, flavoursome crunch is sometimes best enjoyed solo. Mmm.
Here are eight cracker-tastic reasons all busy mamas need a designated ‘cracker press’:
1. Kid’s love ‘em
Maybe it’s the novelty of munching them straight from their hands, but kids view crackers as a treat – handy for in-between mealtimes or those times we can’t get them to eat a full dinner.
2. They’re utterly versatile
You name it, the odds are you can slather it on a cracker. Or dip a cracker into it. And the beauty of this is we can cater for all our kids’ tastes without putting too much work on ourselves. So we suppose this is the ONE occasion we’ll refrain uttering those immortal words, “This house isn’t a restaurant!”
3. They're so handy for on the go
Fling some crackers in a box and off you go. No mess, no need for cutlery. This is especially great for days out, so cranky and tired kids (and their mums!) can have a snack on the go without getting ‘hangry’.
4. They’re a healthier alternative to crisps
We’re obsessed with the new Cracker Crisps from Carr’s. They’re baked, not fried (so no greasy fingers) and come in a range of mouthwatering flavours like Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar, Thai Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream & Chive. And if you really want to trick your body into thinking you’re chowing down on an indulgent snack, dip them into some light cream cheese. Bliss.
5. They’re perfect for unexpected drop-ins
Often if a friend or a neighbour pops in and we’ve nothing in the house to offer them we’re mortified. “Would you have a bowl of Weetabix?” we ask desperately as our bemused friends tell us not to worry. Crackers are perfect. Throw on some chopped up tomatoes, a bit of fresh cucumber and some cheddar, or chop some olives over a bowl of hummous as a dip, and voila, you’ve whipped up a gourmet snack!
6. They’re great for getting veggies into the kids
As we’re sure you know, getting the green stuff into the kids is a constant work in progress – so we have to get a bit creative with our tactics. Kids will go mad for crackers loaded with delicious salads and veggies like peppers, avocado, beetroot and grated carrot or dipped into a roasted veg purée. Sometimes it’s all about how you present something!
7. They’re the best date night nibble
We can’t always make it out to a fancy restaurant for date night, so creating a date night 'vibe' at home is pretty much the next best thing. When the littles are tucked up in bed dreaming about Disneyland and the like, we get to snuggle down on the sofa with glasses of red and crackers heaped with swanky toppings like olive tapenade, crab and rocket. Our definite faves at the moment are Carr’s Flatbreads. We're LOVING the Salt & Cracked Black Pepper ones – they're amazing with a cool and creamy dip or dipped into a fresh, homemade salsa.
Are you a cracker fiend like us? If so, we’re dying to know what your fave topping is!
