Rustic Sourdough Butter Crackers

Instructions

The Night Before Baking:

1. Weigh or measure all the dough ingredients into a ceramic or glass mixing bowl.
2. Mix the dough just until it comes together. There will be plenty of structure without developing extra gluten.
3. Let the dough rest and rise, covered, for 12 to 16 hours.

The Next Day:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and pat it into a rectangle. Cut the rectangle in half.
3. Cut three sheets of parchment paper that will fit a large baking sheet.
4. Place one piece of the dough in the center of a piece of parchment and cover with the other sheet.
5. Use your hand to flatten the dough into a large rectangle. Then use a rolling pin to roll it to a thickness of about 1/8th inch. Remove the top sheet of parchment paper.
6. In a small bowl beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the surface of the crackers with the egg wash. Sprinkle the cracker dough with a thick flake artisan salt and herbs if desired.
7. Using a pizza cutter or knife cut the dough into cracker size squares. Prick (dock) each square twice with a fork to keep the dough from bubbling up in the oven.
8. Slide the parchment paper onto the baking sheet and set the crackers aside.
9. Repeat these steps with the remaining dough.
10. Bake the crackers for 30 minutes at 350°F. Then turn the oven off and jar the door. I use a baking mitt between the door and frame to just barely keep the oven door open. Let the crackers cool completely in the oven.
11. Once cool, store the crackers in an airtight container.