Homemade crackers can be fun to make and so much healthier than store bought crackers.

I love crackers and when my favorite crackers showed up at $3.69 per box, I decided to make my own. After a few flops (too thick, too salty) I created my own recipe. It's a bit heavy on the fat, but that's probably why they are so good.

A lot of cracker recipes are pretty plain to the point of being boring, mere vehicles for cheese or spread. The following recipe is not only tasty on it's own, but full of fiber, and attractive as well.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe. Try adding sesame seed, sunflower seed, chopped nuts or anything you deem yummy. You can make a tidy, uniform cracker or a rough edged cracker for a more home-spun look.

1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

1 Cup While Flour

1 Cup Oats (uncooked, quick oats)

1/2 Can of Black Beans (drained and chopped)

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1/2 Stick Butter or Margerine

1/2 Cup Milk

2 - 3 Tablespoons Flax Seed

1 Tablespoon Dried Cilantro

Blend dry ingredients.

Cut up butter (or margarine) and warm in milk with sugar.

Mix. Add black beans.

Knead 3 minutes.

Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

Divide dough in quarters.

Roll out on lightly floured surface. Roll very thin, as thin as you can.

Cut in strips. Roll strips again.

Cut in shapes.

Place on ungreased cookie pan.

Prick crackers with tines of fork.

Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown.

Cool on wire rack.