Eat me: Starr Ridge hors d'oeuvre crackers

Whilst extolling the joys of McQuade's Celtic Chutneys, I referred to enjoying them with crackers and an unremarkable cheddar. Ah, but I was playing a card close to the vest. You see, the crackers were not so pedestrian.

I've been a big fan of Starr Ridge hors d'oeuvre crackers for several years ago, since they began carrying them at Bi-Rite Market when I lived around the corner. They have a wonderful, substantial heftiness, and a rustic wheaty flavor that remains neutral enough not to interfere with whatever you're serving them with. They come in a variety of flavors, mostly herbal, some more successful than others. Personally, I think the Rosemary Parmesan and Olive Oil are no-fail complements to all manner of cheeses, charcuterie, pickles, fresh fruit and, well, chutneys. Keeping a smattering of these things on hand makes for easy, instant entertaining when friends drop by ... and once in a while subs in for a full meal after a long day.