Flax Seed Crackers

Who doesn't love to snack on some crackers and dive into some dip? We all get the munchies and I think this is often the time when we slip up and grab something a little less healthy in the name of convenience and a lack of time. In search of a great gluten free alternative that will fill you up and nourish your body? Flax seed crackers are a great option especially paired with a little hummus dip on the side!

Some amazing facts and benefits to these little power house seeds...

Flax is high in fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and aids in the detoxification of your colon lining as well as reducing certain types of cancer. The fiber helps to keep you feeling full longer and therefore curbs your cravings and helps you keep your weight under control.
Flax is great for your skin and your hair. The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a poly-unsaturated fatty acid that has nourishing benefits to your skin and hair that inhibit dryness. The anti-inflammatory properties that it contains aid in skin repair and regeneration.
Flax seed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Most Americans are deficient in omega 3 and have an abundance of omega-6 fatty acids (tipping the scale in the wrong direction). Omega-3 fatty acids are great for heart health, aid in the production of our hormones, lowers cholesterol, and so much more.
Flax seeds are gluten free and a great option for those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease.
Helps aid in weight loss and balances blood sugar levels.

Do we need anymore reasons to love flax seed? It's easy to see why they are a "heath food". When shopping for flax seeds keep the following in mind:

Buy flax seeds whole and then grind them up in a coffee grinder. Make sure to only grind what you will use so as not to oxidize the fats. Without grinding it the body won't absorb the nutrients and it will pass through your digestive tract.
If you're unable to purchase whole flax seeds you can purchase them ground up.

When trying to incorporate flax seeds into your daily diet you can do so by:

Adding some to your smoothies or yogurt
Sprinkling it on your salad
Add to homemade granola
Bake into breads, muffins, pancakes and waffles
Use as a substitute for eggs (many vegan recipes call for this)

Ingredients

1 c ground flax seed
2 eggs
1 fresh rosemary sprig (diced)
salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a baking sheet with olive oil.
In a medium sized bowl mix all ingredients.
Place on parchment paper and then add a second layer on the top of the dough. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin (you can also use your fingers for this.) Make sure it is as smooth and even as possible to ensure all with bake evenly.
Remove the top layer of parchment paper and flip the flattened flax sheet onto a baking pan and take a knife and lightly indent lines both down and across to form square crackers.
Sprinkle with salt.
Bake 10 minutes on one side and then flip over and cook for 5 more minutes.
Let cool.

Note: Baking time may differ depending on how thin/thick your crackers are. For a crispier cracker make the flax mixture as thin as you can. For a fluffier cracker don't flatten it as much