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Hard Tack RecipeHard Tack is a simple biscuit made with flour, water and salt. It formed a major part of the daily ration for Union Soldiers during the Civil War. When eaten fresh, they are fairly tasty - but during the war, they often didn't reach the soldiers for several months, earning them the nickname "tooth dullers"!
My first experience with these biscuits came as a Junior High School student, when in observance of the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, we watched the sunrise while dining on hard tack and homemade butter.
Ingredients
2 cups flour 2/3 cup water 6 pinches salt Preparation and CookingMix the flour and salt together in a bowl. Add the water, and knead it with your hands to make a dough. If the dough sticks to your hands add a little bit more water (not too much). Spread the dough out on an ungreased cookie sheet to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can do this by hand or with a rolling pin. Keep in mind it doesn't have to look perfect. The dough should be in the shape of a rectangle.
Bake in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, and cut the dough into 3 inch squares.
Into each square, punch 4 rows of 4 holes (16 holes total). You can use a clean nail or a fork if you prefer. Flip the crackers over and return to the oven for another 30 minutes. Let cool and enjoy! For a softer cracker, use a 375 degree F oven.
Hard Tack is a simple, earth friendly recipe with great historical significance. It's a great recipe to involve your kids with.
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