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Civil War Hardtack Recipe

Civil War Hardtack Recipe

Civil War Hardtack is a simple, yet nourishing snack that was popular during the American Civil War. It’s made with just a few ingredients and takes only minutes to prepare. This dish has a long history and was used as an emergency ration by both Union and Confederate troops.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Civil War Hardtack, Civil War Hardtack Recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 190.7kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • 1 Bowl
  • rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Fork, or knife

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons fat
  • 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, fat, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
  • Slowly add in the water and knead the dough until it is firm and holds its shape
  • Roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 3-inch (7.5 cm) squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  • Place the cut dough onto an ungreased baking sheet and lightly prick the top with a fork to make vent holes. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Allow the Hardtack to cool before serving or storing.

Video

Notes

  • For a more flavorful Hardtack, consider using buttermilk or sourdough in place of the water.
  • You can also add herbs and spices like basil, oregano, garlic powder, etc. to give the Hardtack a unique flavor.
  • If you’d like the Hardtack to be softer and more like bread, bake it for a few minutes less.
  • For added flavor, you can brush melted butter on top of the Hardtack after baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 190.7kcal
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