Salted crackers with poppy seeds and sesame

Poppy and sesame pastries - Delicious appetizers for every occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 pastries

If you want to impress your loved ones with crispy and aromatic appetizers, poppy and sesame pastries are the perfect choice. These delights are ideal for parties, picnics, or simply as a snack between meals. The recipe is simple and quick, and the final result will bring a smile to everyone's face. Let's see step by step how you can achieve the most delicious pastries.

Ingredients:
- 150 g salty cow cheese (choose a well-aged cheese for an intense flavor)
- 150 g flour (you can use white or whole wheat flour, depending on your preferences)
- 150 g butter (make sure it's at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough)
- 4 eggs (2 for the dough, 1 for brushing, and 1 for added moisture)
- 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds (add more for an intense aroma)
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (toasted, for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin (optional, for a slightly spicy flavor)
- Salt, to taste (since the cheese is salty, use sparingly)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by grating the cheese into a large bowl. Make sure it is well crumbled, so it mixes evenly with the other ingredients. In the same bowl, add the diced butter, the 2 eggs, and the flour. Mix them with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

Step 2: Seasoning the dough
Once the dough is well mixed, add the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and, if desired, the cumin. Mix again to evenly distribute the flavors. Finally, taste and add salt if necessary.

Step 3: Shaping the pastries
Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm. Use a cutter or knife to cut the dough into desired shapes (square or rectangular pieces are ideal).

Step 4: Brushing and baking
Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the remaining egg and brush each pastry with a brush to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Sprinkle a little poppy and sesame seeds on top for added appearance and aroma. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serving
Let the pastries cool slightly on a wire rack, then you can serve them warm or at room temperature. These appetizers are excellent alongside a garlic yogurt dip or a cheese spread.

Variation suggestion: For an even more intense flavor, you can add dried herbs to the dough, such as oregano or rosemary. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese.

These poppy and sesame pastries are not only delicious but also very versatile. Try them at your next gathering with family or friends, and you will surely become the favorite cook of the evening! Enjoy!