DATE: Sunday, June 29, 1997                 TAG: 9706250124

SECTION: FLAVOR                  PAGE: F1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY BETTY DOUGLASS, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   30 lines

BUILDING A BETTER CRACKER

WHEN IT COMES to snacking, crackers are bricks and cheese spreads are mortar. Each is useful on its own, but even better combined.

Cheese and crackers is the ubiquitous snack for entertaining, but you don't have to limit your guests to store-bought offerings.

Homemade crackers form a foundation for creative cheese spreads. Serve both and you'll have family and friends building better crackers in no time.

If making crackers sounds intimidating, have no fear. The recipes here, which include flavored toasts, wheat crackers and biscuit-style crackers, are quite easy. The most important thing to remember is to start rolling from the center of the mound of dough outward in all directions to ensure an even thickness throughout.

To top your crackers, you'll need a selection of cheese spreads. Many of these recipes can be made with kitchen staples and take just a few minutes to prepare. Some, like the Smoked Gouda Spread, is made quickly in a food processor. Be careful not to overprocess or the spread will have too runny a texture.

Homemade cheese spreads packed in a simple crock or jar and presented along with a basket of homemade crackers makes a delectable centerpiece or gift. ILLUSTRATION: LAWRENCE JACKSON COLOR PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/The

Virginian-Pilot

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