Lemon Crackers. Mrs. E. S. Jordan. Recipe

Recipe: Mrs. E. S. Jordan's Lemon Crackers

History of the Recipe:
Lemon crackers have been enjoyed for generations as a delightful treat with a burst of citrus flavor. This particular recipe, credited to Mrs. E.S. Jordan, has been passed down through the years and has become a cherished classic. These lemon crackers are not only delicious but also relatively easy to make, requiring common pantry ingredients and simple steps. So, let's dive into the recipe and create these mouthwatering treats!

Fun Facts about Lemon Crackers:
1. Lemon crackers are believed to have originated in Europe and became popular in the United States during the late 19th century.
2. The combination of lemon and sugar creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that make these crackers irresistible.
3. Lemon oil, derived from lemon peels, provides a concentrated lemon flavor to the crackers.
4. Carbonate of ammonia, also known as baker's ammonia, was a common leavening agent used before the advent of baking powder and baking soda.
5. The use of a fork to create a pattern on the crackers not only adds a decorative touch but also helps prevent the crackers from puffing unevenly during baking.

Now, let's make these delightful lemon crackers!

Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of butter, softened
- 1 pint of sweet milk
- 1 cup of lard
- 3 eggs
- 5 cents worth of lemon oil
- 5 cents worth of carbonate of ammonia
- A pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a quick baking temperature, around 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the crackers develop a crisp texture.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, lard, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs to the mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated.

4. Pour in the sweet milk and lemon oil, and mix well. The lemon oil will infuse the crackers with a delightful citrus aroma and taste.

5. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the carbonate of ammonia in a little warm water, following the package instructions if available. Once dissolved, add it to the mixing bowl and incorporate it into the batter.

6. Gradually add in the flour, mixing well after each addition until the dough becomes stiff. The amount of flour needed may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

7. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the crackers. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly throughout the dough.

8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thin thickness. The thinner the dough, the crispier the resulting crackers will be.

9. Using a fork, prick the surface of the rolled-out dough. This will prevent the crackers from puffing up too much during baking and create an attractive pattern.

10. Cut the rolled dough into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife. Traditional rectangular or square shapes work well for lemon crackers.

11. Transfer the cut crackers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Leave some space between them to allow for even baking.

12. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the crackers turn golden brown.

13. Once baked, remove the crackers from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. As they cool, they will become crisp and ready to enjoy.

These homemade lemon crackers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed making and savoring these delightful lemon crackers, you might also like to explore similar recipes for more variety and flavors. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Classic Vanilla Sugar Cookies: This recipe replaces lemon oil with vanilla extract to create tender and aromatic vanilla-flavored cookies.

2. Orange Zest Biscuits: For a different twist on citrus-infused treats, incorporate orange zest into a biscuit dough recipe, resulting in slightly tangy and fragrant biscuits.

3. Almond Biscotti: If you enjoy crunchy and twice-baked treats, try making almond biscotti. This Italian classic pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Exploring these recipes will allow you to experience new flavors while still enjoying the familiar and comforting sensation of homemade baked goods.

Happy baking and exploring new recipes!

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