This pioneer hardtack is delicious served plain or with jam, peanut butter, cheese, meat spreads,or whatever you like. Try seasoning the crackers by adding onion powder, cheese,barbecue sauce, bacon bits, herbs, or spices to the dough.
Hardtack is an old-fashioned flatbread, or sea biscuit, that was popular with pioneers and sailors because it was lightweight, compact, tasty, and long lasting. It is just as delicious today and is handy for hiking, backpacking, or snacking.
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour (white, whole wheat, graham, rye, barley, or any combination of flours you like)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shortening
- 2 cups buttermilk, yogurt, cream, or sweet milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
Preheat oven to 400° F. In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients, and mix well until a ball forms. Divide the dough into portions about the size of a tennis ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough as thinly as you can. The thinner you roll it, the better the hardtack will taste. Sprinkle the flattened dough lightly with salt or other seasonings if you wish.
Cut the dough into any shape you desire, and place the pieces close together on a greased cookie sheet. Bake until the edges begin to brown. Remove the cookie sheet, and flip over the hardtack. Return it to the oven, and bake it until crisp, dry, and lightly browned. Immediately place the hardtack on a cooling rack. When it has cooled, store the hardtack in an airtight container. It will stay fresh as long as it is kept dry.
Food has a way of bringing the family together and carrying the emotions of family memories with it. Learn more about your pioneer ancestry and gather the family to try some of these historic recipes and to bring a taste of what life was like for your pioneer ancestors into your home.
