Ship’s Biscuits: How to Make Hardtack

Posted November 17, 2016 by Alison's Wonderland Recipes in Book of the Month Recipes / 7 Comments

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Back in Herman Melville’s day, ship’s biscuits (which later came to be known as hardtack) were common seaman’s food. As such, they’re mentioned regularly throughout Moby Dick, so I thought it would be fun to whip up an authentic ship’s biscuits recipe. I found one at The American Table based on an old Civil War era recipe.

Of course, designed to last forever and travel well, ship’s biscuits are VERY basic fare. They’re virtually flavorless in traditional recipes, so I added a little bit of extra seasoning to make them more palatable. You can also brush the tops with egg whites and sprinkle extra salt on top, but keep in mind that introducing eggs to the recipe would compromise the biscuits’ ability to be stored for months/years.

 

Ship’s Biscuits

“First he takes about a double handful of shavings…and places them carefully before the idol; then laying a bit of ship -biscuit on top and applying the flame from the lamp, he kindled the shavings into a sacrificial blaze. Presently, after many hasty snatches into the fire, and still hastier with- drawals of his fingers (whereby he seemed to be scorching them badly), he at last succeeded in drawing out the biscuit…”

— Moby Dick
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INGREDIENTS:

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  • What You’ll Need for Traditional Ship’s Biscuits:
    • 2 cups flour
    • 1/2 tbsp salt (coarse salt is more authentic, but regular table salt works too)
    • 3/4 cup water
  • Extra Seasonings You Can Add to Improve the Flavor:
    • 1/2 tsp any dried herb (I used thyme)
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper

      

Makes 6 biscuits

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INSTRUCTIONS:

    1. Preheat your oven to 300°.
    2. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together your flour, salt, and (if you’re using them) extra seasonings. Gradually pour in the water about 1/4 cup at a time, working the water through the flour with with your fingers after each addition. When all the water is added, thoroughly knead the dough. In the end, it should come together in a slightly sticky ball.

    3. On a floured surface, roll out your dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Square off the dough and cut into equal portions. I cut mine into  2 1/2″ x 3″ rectangles.

    4. Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet and poke them with a fork to allow for more evening cooking and reduce puffing.
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    5. Bake the biscuits for 2 hours, flip them over, and bake them for another 30 minutes or until the edges are firm and the tops are slightly brown.
    6. Place on a wire rack until completely cool. The biscuits may make a crackling sound while cooling.
    7. Serve to a ship full of whalers to get them through their tough ocean voyage!
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      Ship’s biscuits can be hard to eat on their own, so people used to break them up into pieces and put them in soup or coffee to re-hydrate them. You can even put some in our Moby Dick Clam Chowder!

       
       

 

Want to snack on more biscuits? Check out our Siren Notes from The Odyssey!

Siren Notes on the Rocks from The Odyssey
Siren Notes on the Rocks: Music Note Basil Crackers and Tropical Hurricane Cocktails

7 responses to “Ship’s Biscuits: How to Make Hardtack

  1. ladyelasa

    These are cool! As a former homeschooler, I’m thinking what a cool educational project for kids to know about hardtack. Thanks for sharing!

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

  2. Cait @ Paper Fury

    So I didn’t ever think hardtack would be delicious…but this looks really tasty!! Like just sprinkle some cheese and salt on and…omg okay wait. I don’t think I would survive at sea in the 19th century.?

  3. Burris Ewell

    Just made these and placed a few in a pot of fresh clam chowder. I’ll update everyine when they soften up. (…)
    (…)

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