Survival Hardtack

The outdoors can be as fun as it is unforgiving and if you are not prepared for the worst then it can also be deadly. We have much to learn from the outdoorsman of the past. The survival methods they used were proven and should be used to increase survival even today. Food is important when surviving because it is the only way to replenish energy. You can survive with very little food and I will show you a way to easily carry some with you.

Hardtack is a dense bread that has minimal water and can last months without modern refrigeration. It is true to its name and has a reputation for being hard as brick. Historically, it has helped armies and sailors make long trips by packing wooden casks with this hard bread.

Making it is simple and it requires only whole wheat flour, salt and water.

First, measure 4 cups of flour. 4 cups of flour weighs 480 grams.
Next, measure 2 cups of water and dissolve 4 teaspoons of salt into it.

Then, mix the water slowly into the flour until it is a stiff dough. All the water may not be used. The dough should not be sticky but instead firm and moldable.

Roll out the dough to a thickness of ½ inch. Cut 3 inch square pieces and press into the dough holes similar to store bought crackers.

Put the hardtack on a un-greased pan and bake at 375 for 30 min. flip and bake for another 30 min.

They will keep for a year or longer if stored air tight.