Page 30 - The Lost Ways

producing some of the foods of that time. These hardtacks produced by the enactors will
be the most authentic you can find outside of making them in your own kitchen.

Hardtacks are also gaining popularity among preppers and survivalists. The tough biscuit
is prized for exactly the same reasons it was in the past. There is an understanding that if
it all goes bad, these things will be around. Though they may not be the most delicious
option, they could feed you and your family in a bad situation. Thus, hardtacks are
becoming part of an extensive inventory of long-term food storage.

The brilliant thing about hard tacks is that they are little more than water, flour, and salt.
This is why they last an eternity. The desire to add things for flavor and texture is alluring,
but remember, the true purpose of this food is to last forever! The addition of things like
fats, which can go rancid, will shorten the lifespan of this food.

I will provide you with a basic recipe for creating these biscuits. What’s more important,
however, is that you understand the basic ratio. Many people think cooking is about
recipes, but really, knowing a ratio is much more powerful than a recipe because it can
be manipulated easily. The ratio for hardtacks is 3:1 flour to water. This can be 3 cups of

flour to 1 cup of water or 3lbs. to 1lb. or 3 tons to 1 ton. Take this ratio and apply it any
way you see fit.

Ingredients

❖ 3 cups of flour

❖ 1 cup of water
❖ 2 teaspoons of salt

Hardware

Cookie sheet or pizza stone ($9 ceramic planter bottom at the local home and garden
store)

❖ Large mixing bowl
❖ Rolling pin
❖ Pizza cutter (not necessary)
❖ Fork
❖ Big nail

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

29