Civil+War+Women-Recipes

Ginger Cakes:
Ginger cakes (All sorts of ginger cakes or breads were popular. Some were soft and others were hard or crisp. Some recipes could be rolled out and cut into shapes and hung on the tree. These are crisp, sugar coated cookies and are delicious.) 3/4 cups shortening 1 cup sugar 1 beaten egg 1/4 cup molasses 2 tsp. soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. ginger 2 cups flour Cream shortening and sugar. Add the egg and molasses and mix well. Sift together the dry ingredients and add to the shortening mixture. Mix until combined. Roll into walnut sized balls and roll in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 - 10 minutes.

HARDTACK 3 Cups of Milk 6 Teaspoons of Brown Sugar 8 Cups of General Purpose Flour, non-rising type 3 Teaspoons of Salt 8 Teaspoons of Shorting Mix it all together, it makes a very stiff dough. You need to mix it all up well. Then roll it out on a well floured surface. You want to roll it about 1/2" thick, don't roll it any thinner.. Then cut it up into 3" X 3" squares. Then take a toothpick and put about a dozen holes in each cracker. Put these into a oven that has been preheated to 400 Degrees and bake for about 20--25 minutes or until they are just beginning to brown. Do not let them cook too long. After they cool you may store them in a plastic bag but only for a few days as they will mold if kept there too long. I have found out that it is best to bag them for two days and then throw them in your haversack and your set.

Grandma Walther's Old Sugar Cooky Recipe
(no oven temperature given - we set ours at 350 degrees) 2 cups sugar 1 cup butter (or margarine) 3 eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon baking soda (in sour cream) About 4 cups flour (more if needed to roll) Good for animal cookies. Handle as little as possible.