Post by Capt. Von Siegel on Mar 22, 2022 18:53:11 GMT
For the past 6 years I've made ships biscuits for most of the events. I make them at least a couple times a year.
Now some may have noticed the ones I make are a bit smaller than what they were supposed to be back in the 18th century.
In actuality the ships biscuit was 4" in diameter and around 5/8" thick. And 2 of them was the equivalent to 1 pound of bread for rations per day.
So, why do I make them at 3 1/2" diameter and about 1/4" thick?
I like my teeth. LOL Also, they are good demo and conversation pieces that can be used individually by many because when I make them I get a yield of about a little more than dozen or so per batch of dough. Crown forces troops from the 1st NJV have been absconding with them for years at various events, so I must be doing something right.
The recipe comes straight out of page 4 of the Packet Series books (vol I).
2 cups Flour (unbleached, all purpose)
1/2 TBS Salt
1/2 cup water
That's it.
Mix it well and roll out till about 1/4" thick. I have a 1 cup measure without a handle (3.5" dia) that I use as cutter to get the shape and size I want.
I gather up remaining dough, roll out, rinse and repeat till done. I use a fork to put the relief holes in them and use a knife to make the arrow for the King's tax mark.
Preheat the oven to 350-400. Pop them on a cookie sheet and set them puppies in the oven for about 30 min, flip till they look about done.
Let them cool, then you can use to whatever end you need them for.
Now some may have noticed the ones I make are a bit smaller than what they were supposed to be back in the 18th century.
In actuality the ships biscuit was 4" in diameter and around 5/8" thick. And 2 of them was the equivalent to 1 pound of bread for rations per day.
So, why do I make them at 3 1/2" diameter and about 1/4" thick?
I like my teeth. LOL Also, they are good demo and conversation pieces that can be used individually by many because when I make them I get a yield of about a little more than dozen or so per batch of dough. Crown forces troops from the 1st NJV have been absconding with them for years at various events, so I must be doing something right.
The recipe comes straight out of page 4 of the Packet Series books (vol I).
2 cups Flour (unbleached, all purpose)
1/2 TBS Salt
1/2 cup water
That's it.
Mix it well and roll out till about 1/4" thick. I have a 1 cup measure without a handle (3.5" dia) that I use as cutter to get the shape and size I want.
I gather up remaining dough, roll out, rinse and repeat till done. I use a fork to put the relief holes in them and use a knife to make the arrow for the King's tax mark.
Preheat the oven to 350-400. Pop them on a cookie sheet and set them puppies in the oven for about 30 min, flip till they look about done.
Let them cool, then you can use to whatever end you need them for.