 |
Pioneer Farms Austin Texsa
|
With another triple-digit Texas summer day stretching ahead of us, we spent the afternoon enjoying the slower pace of life—watching nature, relaxing on the porch, and thinking about simpler times. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to try one of history's most famous survival foods: hardtack. This simple bread has been carried by sailors, pioneers, soldiers, and explorers for generations because of its remarkably long shelf life.
Another lazy day on the farm in sizzlin heat. We're fast approaching 50+ days of triple digit temps. What more can a person do other than sit on the porch, catch a breeze, and dream of something ICE COLD?
 |
German House Pioneer Farms
|
 |
Lovely quilts at the German House in Pioneer Farms
|
 |
| Hanging baskets for conserving space at the German farm |
 |
Vacant bird's nest at the farm
|
 |
| Country Hutch and where we'd find mice |
 |
oil lamp
|
 |
| Hard Tack Cracker Bread |
What Is Hardtack?
Hardtack is one of the oldest long-term storage foods in history. Made with just flour, water, and salt, it was commonly carried by sailors, pioneers, Civil War soldiers, and wagon trains because it could remain edible for months—or even years—when kept completely dry.
Although hardtack isn't known for its flavor or texture, it was designed for survival rather than comfort. Many people softened it by dipping it into soup, coffee, or stew before eating.
Today, it's still a fun recipe for history enthusiasts, campers, homeschool lessons, and anyone interested in traditional food preservation.
Here's an old time recipe:
HARD TACK BREAD RECIPE
This bread's been known for centuries as being a staple with a long shelf life -- if kept dry, it can store for more than a year. Sailors used this for survival while at sea.
5 cups flour
1 cup water
1 tbs salt
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Knead dough and roll out till it is 1/2 inch thick. Cut dough into 3x3 squares, and poke a series of holes in the center, evenly spaced. Bake in preheated oven, 425 degrees until dry and lightly golden brown. Store in a dry place.
 |
Looking out the window at the Garman Farm
|
 |
Enjoying porch shade at the German house at Pioneer Farms
|
 |
| Bean poles |
Can you identify this bush? As fluffy as cotton.
 |
| Dry and hot at Pioneer Farms |
 |
| Swatting flies and watching the Dragonflies |
 |
| Horses at Pioneer Farms |
Can you identify this bush? As fluffy as cotton.
1 comment:
I always love seeing pic's of the farm.. looking at todays brought back memories of when I lived down south.. many of my friends homes looked just like those, some with out electric, out houses, same type of tables and furnature.
Does that make me sound old? LOL
believe it or not, there are still people down there living that way. Sometimes I wonder if they aren't the lucky ones.
Post a Comment