SnackSavy Series | Flaxtastic Veggie Mini Pizzas

Welcome back to the SnackSavvy Series on Sam's Baking Blog! Today, we're exploring a unique and healthy twist on a classic favorite with our Veg, Gluten-Free, and Starch-Free Flaxseed Mini Pizzas. These mini pizzas feature a crust made entirely from flaxseed meal, making them not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits.

Ingredients:

✅For the crust

1 1/2 cups flaxseed meal

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large eggs

1/4 cup water (adjust as needed for dough consistency)

✅For the toppings

1/2 cup sugar-free tomato sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegan if preferred)

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 12 mini pizzas

Instructions:

1. 
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaxseed meal, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add olive oil and eggs to the dry ingredients. Gradually add water, mixing until a firm, pliable dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Press each portion into a small disk on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Pre-bake the crusts for about 8 minutes, or until they begin to firm up.
   
   
   
6. Remove the crusts from the oven and spread each with tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
7. Return the mini pizzas to the oven and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Pro Tips:

• The moisture content in flaxseed meal can vary, so start with less water and add gradually until the desired dough consistency is achieved.
• Flaxseed meal can burn quickly; keep a close eye on the pizzas during the final minutes of baking.

Secret Tips:

For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the crusts until they are just golden before adding the toppings.

Serving Options:

These mini pizzas are perfect for any occasion, whether as a nutritious snack, a fun appetizer, or a light meal. Serve them fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture.

Health Benefits:

Flaxseed is a superfood known for its high fiber content, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans, which provide excellent health benefits including heart health and digestive wellness.

Variations & Customization Options:

• Try adding different spices to the crust, such as Italian seasoning or garlic powder, for an extra layer of flavor.
• Experiment with various toppings like spinach, artichokes, or different types of cheese to cater to different dietary preferences or to just mix things up.

TheseVeg, Gluten-Free, and Starch-Free Flaxseed Mini Pizzas offer a wholesome and delightful alternative to traditional pizza. They are easy to make, incredibly nutritious, and wonderfully versatile, making them a perfect fit for healthy eaters and food enthusiasts alike. Dive into this recipe and enjoy a guilt-free version of everyone's favorite dish!

Happy Baking!

Sam

SnackSavy Series | Red Lentil Garlic & Thyme Salty Crackers

Welcome back to the SnackSavvy Series on Sam's Baking Blog! Dive into the delightful world of homemade crackers with our Red Lentil Garlic & Thyme Salty Crackers. These crackers are starch-free, made entirely with red lentil flour for a healthier snacking option that doesn't compromise on flavor. They're perfect for your health-conscious lifestyle!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups red lentil flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

1/3 cup olive oil

Up to 1/2 cup water, as needed to form dough

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Yield: About 40 crackers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine red lentil flour, salt, garlic powder, and chopped thyme. Whisk together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Gradually mix in the olive oil. Add water slowly, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be firm but pliable.
4. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to about 1/16 inch thickness for crispier crackers.
5. Remove the top layer of parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into small squares or rectangles.
6. Transfer the parchment with the cut dough onto the baking sheet. Prick each cracker with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crackers are crisp.
8. Let the crackers cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips:

• Rolling the dough thinly will ensure crisp crackers.
• Watch the crackers closely as they bake to prevent over-browning, especially since oven temperatures can vary.

Secret Tips:

Sprinkle a little flaked sea salt on top just before baking to enhance the flavor.

Serving Options:

• These crackers are perfect with a variety of spreads, from classic hummus to a rich, creamy cheese spread.
• For a full meal, pair them with a hearty bowl of soup or a fresh salad.

Health Benefits:

Red lentil flour is rich in protein and fiber, making these crackers both nutritious and filling. They're a great gluten-free, starch-free option that supports a balanced diet.

Variations & Customization Options:

• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill for varied flavors.
• For a kick of heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dough.

These Red Lentil Garlic & Thyme Salty Crackers are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy, homemade snack. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile, they offer a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of lentils in a deliciously crisp form. Give them a try and discover just how tasty healthy eating can be!

Happy Baking!

Sam