Flaxseed crackers

• ½ cup ground flaxseed – flaxseed meal
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 1 tsp dried oregano – or dried rosemary
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup boiling water

1. Preheat & Prepare: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the seeds, almond flour, dried oregano (or rosemary), and salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Hydrate: Pour the boiling water over the seed mix and stir thoroughly. The crucial step: let the mixture rest for 15 minutes. This allows the flaxseeds and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and form a thick, gelatinous paste, which binds the crackers together without flour.

4. Spread: Once the mixture has thickened, use a spatula or your hands to spread it evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Press down firmly to create a thin layer, aiming for about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness.

5. Bake: Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges look golden brown and the entire sheet is crispy.

6. Cool & Break: Remove the sheet from the oven. While the baked sheet is still warm, use a pizza cutter to cut the crackers into squares or simply break them by hand into rustic, uneven pieces. Transfer the crackers to a wire rack to cool completely for maximum crispiness.

7. Store: Keep the fully cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Benefits of key ingredients

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a good source of several important micronutrients:

• Magnesium: Supports muscle function, nerve health, and energy production.

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Supports energy metabolism.

• Phosphorus and Copper: Supports bone health and immune function.

• Plant-based protein: A source of protein, contributing to muscle maintenance and overall satiety.

• Omega-3s (ALA): Flaxseeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid supporting brain structure and function.

For your body to properly digest the seeds and access the valuable omega-3 oil and lignans, flaxseeds must be consumed ground (flaxseed meal). Whole flaxseeds often pass through the digestive system undigested.

Sunflower

Sunflower seeds are essential minerals that can help support various body functions:

• Selenium: This mineral acts as an antioxidant and can support thyroid health and immune function.

• Magnesium: Can support regulating nerve and muscle function, maintaining healthy blood sugar, and supporting bone health. It may also help relieve muscle cramping.

• Zinc: Can support a healthy immune system.

• Copper and Manganese: Can support bone formation and maintaining connective tissues.

• B vitamins (especially folate): Sunflower seeds are a source.