I have been in Sweden for almost two weeks, and although I have been really inspired to write many different posts, I never felt that urge to put my thoughts to paper. I have just really enjoyed being here and not having to capture everything. Although today, I am feeling very motivated and ready to blog.

So to get me going, the first post in almost three weeks will be an incredibly simple recipe for these cheese crackers. They do need a bit of pre-planning as they have to be in the fridge for about an hour – but they only take 8 minutes in the oven and they are perfect for your pre-dinner nibbles! I got this recipe from a friend of my mother’s who is an incredibly good cook – one of these ladies who can effortlessly entertain twenty people within a moments notice and without looking the slightest bit nervous.

 But beware, these are incredibly dangerous and addictive little things as once you start eating them there is no chance you will be able to stop…so make sure you have guests coming so you can share the burden with :)

In Swedish they are called Ostkex, which directly translated means Cheese Crackers – but I don’t feel that this word really captures what they are, as crackers sound so dry and boring and they are anything but! However, for the sake of simplicity –lets just call them cheese crackers for the time being…if anyone has any suggestions for a more exciting name – let me know!

One thing that should be noted, is that these crackers are only as good as the cheese you choose for them is. The stronger the cheese the better the cracker!

 Cheese Crackers (OstKex)

• 200g mature hard cheese, like a cheddar (in Sweden I would use a Extra Lågrad Präst ost)
• 100g butter
• 3dl all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tblsp cold water

Directions

In a food processor, mix together the cheese, butter and flour until it all binds together into a crumbly dough, then pour in the water and mix until it becomes smooth.

Divide the dough into 4 piece, and on a well floured table, roll each quarter into 10cm long rectangular sausages.

Refrigerate for an hour and then cut them into ½ cm thick slices.

Place the slices on bakingpaper, and put them in the middle of the oven at 225°C for 8 mins.

Let cool down, and then serve together with drinks.

A nice cold glass of prosecco would go very well with this :)