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When the hubby wanted to make hardtack for last weeks re-enacting adventure, I did what any supportive wife would do–I used my mad Google skills while I mocked him mercilessly for his geekiness (which I find sexy) and his lack of taste buds (which are an asset for my occasional cooking experiment).

And while we explored the world of hardtack (from the historically accurate and boring to its many trying to make it tastier varieties), I stumbled upon this FANTASTIC and simple little recipe.

A Sailor’s Diet
In one container combine the following:
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned or quick oats.
3 cups unbleached flour.
1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
1 teaspoon baking soda.

In a separate container, mix:
1 1/2 cups buttermilk.
3 tablespoons honey.
1/2 cup melted bacon drippings or shortening.

Combine the two sets of ingredients. When the dough is thoroughly mixed, roll it out on a floured board to a thickness of about a quarter inch. Cut out circles of dough with a large drinking glass dipped in flour and put them on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 5 1/2 minutes at 450° F. Let the hardtack cool on a wire rack before serving with jam or jelly.

from http://kenanderson.net/hardtack/recipes.html

Cooking Notes:
*we added an extra squeeze (proly an extra tablespoon) of honey
*we used butter flavored crisco for the shortening
*the dough will be very dry, if it is too dry to work, add a wee bit of extra buttermilk

This is awesome with strawberry jam, and great fun for small children.