Active Time

　　1 hr

　　Total Time

　　2 hr

　　Cornmeal lends these crackers a golden glow and a nice crunch; lots of crushed green peppercorns (left over from Chicken Spice Rub ) provide an intriguing spiciness. Serve them with cheese or all on their own with cocktails.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 60

　　3/4 cup whole-wheat flour

　　3/4 cup all-purpose flour

　　1/2 cup cornmeal (preferably stone-ground)

　　2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

　　1/2 teaspoon baking soda

　　2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar

　　4 teaspoons dried green peppercorns, coarsely crushed, divided

　　1/2 teaspoon table salt

　　1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

　　2/3 cup well-shaken buttermilk

　　1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1 large egg, beaten

　　

Step 1

Whisk together flours, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons peppercorns, and table salt in a bowl. Blend in butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk and stir just until a dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 6 to 8 times. Cut into 5 pieces, then chill, covered with plastic wrap, 10 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350°F with racks in upper and lower thirds.

　　

Step 3

Mix kosher salt and remaining 2 teaspoons peppercorns in a small bowl.

　　

Step 4

Roll out 1 piece of dough on a well-floured surface with a floured rolling pin into a 15- by 4-inch rectangle (1/8 inch thick). Lightly brush with egg, then prick all over with a fork. Sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon salt-and-pepper mixture.

　　

Step 5

Cut crosswise into 12 strips and arrange 1/8 inch apart on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.

　　

Step 6

Bake, switching position of sheets halfway through, until golden-brown and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool crackers slightly, then transfer to racks to cool completely.

　　Cooks’ note:

　　Crackers keep in an airtight container at room temperature 1 week.