Taste the Seventeenth Century

Listening to grownups quarrel and selling a product no one is buying summon up a powerful appetite in Willy Vassal. He eats some Hardtack, another word for the Ship’s Biscuits he out for his makeshift snack stand. But, after a while Will decides to dash home and ask Judith, his big sister, to cook a mess of “To Butter Onions” for Sam and himself. It is just simple Apples & Onions on Toast, but They have barrels of apples packed in sawdust for Her Majesty’s Navy, so it should be an easy ask. Come to think of it, maybe Judith will cook enough to sell to the theatre crowd!

Ship’s Biscuits (Hardtack)

Ship’s Biscuits, also known as Hardtack, are a traditional staple that sustained sailors on long voyages. Designed to last indefinitely and withstand the harsh conditions at sea, these biscuits are simple, durable, and virtually flavorless in their authentic form. This recipe adds optional seasonings to make them more palatable for modern tastes. Keep in mind that introducing certain ingredients like eggs can shorten their shelf life.

Makes: 6 biscuits Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

 

 

Ingredients

For Traditional Ship’s Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon salt (coarse sea salt for authenticity, but table salt works fine)
• 3/4 cup water

Optional Seasonings to Enhance Flavor:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, oregano)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 tablespoon of salt.
   • If you’re using the optional seasonings, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the dry ingredients.
   • Gradually pour in 3/4 cup of water, about 1/4 cup at a time.
   • After each addition of water, use your fingers to work it through the flour mixture.
   • Continue adding water and mixing until a slightly sticky dough forms.
   • Tip: The dough should hold together but not be too wet. You might need a little less or more water depending on your flour.
3. Shape the Biscuits:
   • Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
   • Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm).
   • Shape the Dough:
     • For a traditional look, square off the edges of the dough.
     • Cut the dough into rectangles measuring approximately 2.5 x 3 inches (6.5 x 7.5 cm).
     • You can also use a round biscuit cutter if you prefer circular biscuits.
   • Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut additional biscuits.
4. Dock the Biscuits:
   • Place the biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
   • Use a fork to poke holes evenly across the surface of each biscuit.
   • Docking helps prevent the biscuits from puffing up and ensures even cooking.
5. Bake the Biscuits:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
   • After 2 hours, remove the baking sheet and carefully flip each biscuit.
   • Return the biscuits to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the tops are a light golden brown.
   • The long baking time at a low temperature helps to thoroughly dry out the biscuits, which is crucial for their longevity.
6. Cool and Store:
   • Remove the biscuits from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
   • As they cool, you may hear a crackling sound; this is normal as the biscuits harden.
   • Once fully cooled, store the ship’s biscuits in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
   • Note: Properly made and stored, these biscuits can last for months or even years.

Historical Context

• Sailor’s Sustenance: Ship’s biscuits have been a naval staple since ancient times, providing sustenance on long sea voyages where fresh food was scarce.
• Durability: Their hard, dry texture prevented mold growth, making them ideal for storage.
• Eating Tips: Traditionally, these biscuits were so hard that sailors often soaked them in water, coffee, or soup to make them edible.
• Weevils: In historical accounts, insects sometimes infested the biscuits during long voyages. Sailors would tap them to knock the weevils out before consuming.

Modern Tips

• Enhancing Flavor: While traditional hardtack is bland, adding herbs and spices can make them more enjoyable.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair the biscuits with soups, stews, or chowders. Soaking them makes them easier to eat and adds flavor.
• Texture Warning: Be cautious biting into them directly; they are very hard and can be tough on teeth!

Recipe Notes

• Authenticity vs. Palatability: Adding ingredients like fats, sugars, or dairy (e.g., brushing with egg whites and sprinkling salt on top) can improve flavor but will reduce shelf life.
• Water Quality: Historically, saltwater might have been used, but fresh water ensures a better-tasting biscuit.
• Cooking Times: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust baking times slightly. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible without burning them.

Enjoy your homemade Ship’s Biscuits! They’re a tangible piece of maritime history and a fun project for history enthusiasts or camping aficionados looking for a durable food. Or maybe you can sell them outside the Cinema?

See the original and full Hardtack recipe at Wonderland Recipes.

“To Butter Onions” (Apples and Onions on Toast)

Step back in time to the London docks with this delightful medieval recipe known as “To Butter Onions,” a harmonious blend of sweet apples and savory onions baked to perfection. Served over buttery toast, this dish offers a unique combination of flavors that’s both comforting and intriguing. It’s a wonderful way to experience historical cuisine with ingredients readily available today.

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound tart cooking apples (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 medium-large white onion, coarsely grated
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons currants, parboiled
• 2 slices buttered toast, quartered (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Apples:
   • Quarter, core, and peel the apples.
   • Slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
2. Cook the Onions:
   • In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the grated onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Sweetness and Spice:
   • Stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and parboiled currants with the onions.
   • Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a covered casserole dish, arrange a layer of apple slices at the bottom.
   • Spoon a portion of the onion mixture over the apples.
   • Continue layering, alternating between apples and onions, finishing with a layer of apples on top.
5. Bake to Perfection:
   • Dot the top layer with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
   • Cover the casserole dish with its lid or foil.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender.
6. Serve:
   • While the apples and onions are baking, prepare the buttered toast by toasting and buttering two slices of bread, then cutting each slice into quarters.
   • Once the casserole is done, serve the warm apple and onion mixture over the buttered toast pieces.

Notes

• Sippets: In medieval times, “sippets” referred to small pieces of bread used to soak up sauces or act as a base for toppings—much like our buttered toast in this recipe.
• Currants Substitute: If currants aren’t available, raisins or chopped dried cranberries make a great alternative.
• Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, or enhance the savory aspect with a pinch of salt or herbs like thyme.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish makes a wonderful breakfast, brunch item, or even a side dish paired with roasted meats.

Experience a Taste of History!

This recipe offers a glimpse into medieval cuisine, where simple ingredients were transformed into hearty and flavorful dishes. The combination of sweet apples, savory onions, warm spices, and buttery toast creates a unique and satisfying meal that bridges the gap between sweet and savory. Enjoy this delightful blast from the past and savor the rich flavors that have delighted taste buds for centuries. Recipe from Jamestown Settlement Colonial Recipes