With three small children, we go through a lot of graham crackers around here. About 95% of the time they are used two ways; either as a favorite part of the after school snack with some sunbutter spread on them or of course the classic American gooey S’mores.

Both of those things are great, but I feel like we are taking the unique, nutty flavor of graham crackers for granted. It can do so much more!

HISTORY OF THE GRAHAM

Graham crackers were originally developed to be a health food and they are much different now than they were originally. They were developed by Reverend Sylvester Graham (1794 - 1851) as a healthier alternative to the newly manufactured white flour.

To make graham flour, the endosperm of winter wheat is finely ground then the bran and germ layers are returned and mixed in. This results in a coarse, brown flour with a nutty, sweet flavor.

Here are 3 unique ways to use one of your favorite pantry staples in different ways. First, we’re going to make them savory by using them as part of the crust for chicken tenders baked in the oven; next, they are perfect with some quick and easy trail mix-type bars, and lastly, they are perfect as the crust to ring in the fresh, bright flavors of spring with an orange dreamsicle icebox cake.

GRAHAM-CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERLOINS

Season 2 pounds of chicken tenders with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Dip in 2 beaten eggs, then dredge in a mixture of 1 cup each crushed graham crackers and pretzels. Coat tenders with cooking spray and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees, flipping mid-way, until cooked through, 18 minutes.

NO-BAKE GRAHAM CRACKER SQUARES

Mix 2 cups each chopped graham crackers and quick-cooking oats with ½ cup each dried cranberries and roasted peanuts, ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, and ¼ tsp. Kosher salt. Bring ½ cup honey and ¼ cup brown sugar to a boil in a small pot. Stir in ½ cup peanut butter and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Stir into oat mixture; press into a greased 8-inch square dish; chill. Cut into bars.

ORANGE DREAMSICLE ICEBOX CAKE

Beat 8 ounces cream cheese, 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and 2 tablespoons orange juice with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat 2 cups heavy cream to stiff peaks; fold into cream cheese mixture. Layer mixture with graham crackers in a 9-inch baking dish, layering to top. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Top with whipped cream and sliced oranges.

What is your favorite way to use graham crackers (besides S’mores)? Please share in the comments below.