Zero Waste Cooking – Homemade Crackers from Juicer Waste & Citrus/Watermelon Rind Marmalade

TVCR has been so fortunate to have a professional chef run our Food Waste Reduction and Composting program this summer. Not only has she gotten 300 new families started with composting in Teton Valley, but she also has been experimenting with reducing food waste before it goes into the compost.  Her latest creation made from an experiment to use the fiber from juicer waste rather than just composting it.  It was such a smash hit at our Donor Appreciation event, that everyone wanted the recipe.  So without further ado, here is the coveted recipe for you to try at home.

“What’s Left Crackers”

This recipe came together one morning after juicing the first three ingredients, and feeling the desire to still have the benefits of both the juice to drink and the fiber to eat- but as a tasty snack beyond a crunchy veggie!

1/2 head celery, stalks and leaves; bottom inch trimmed off (This I set in a shallow bowl of water, to {re}grow – and it is!!)

1/2 large green apple; whole

Run these two items through the juicer; drink; save the fiber and pulp for the crackers.

Juice of half lemon

1/4-1/3 cup each:  Flax, chia, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds

1-2 tsp sea salt

3-4+ grinds fresh pepper

1-2 Tbsp nutrition yeast

1 tsp each: Onion powder, garlic granules or powder, dry herbs (your choice), coconut sugar (buy in bulk at Barrels & Bins), *opt. super greens powder

Heat oven to 170 degrees

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Mix completely; consistency of a thick paste. Taste to adjust seasoning. Spread on silpat or parchment-lined sheet pan, in an EVEN LAYER *The thicker the layer, the thicker the cracker, but *longer the drying time*. Bake at 170 degrees, or use dehydrator, until crispy and brittle. **if any slight moisture/softness detected, keep drying. (The oven process takes a few hours, at least)

*Pro tip:

Once the edges start to lift, and there is obvious signs of drying/shrinkage, lift the cracker mass from the sheet pan, flip it over on to sheet pan, top-side now facing down, and remove silpat/parchment. Continue drying.

Citrus & Watermelon Rind Marmalade