Old West Jail Food - 1800s

Old West jail food was far from a delicacy.  In some cases it wasn't even nutritious.  Food was often rationed, and consisted of beans, hardtack, and coffee.  Depending on the jail, dried fruit or vegetables may have been served.  If you are willing to try a jail food recipe, here is a basic recipe for hardtack.  Try it with some beans and coffee and see what you think.....

Hardtack

2 cups stone ground flour

1 cup water

Combine the flour and water. Knead until smooth. Sprinkle some flour on a smooth surface and roll the dough flat until it is 1/4 inch thick. Cut biscuits out with a can or free form them, making them about 3-4 inches in diameter. Poke holes into each biscuit with a fork. Place on a floured cookie sheet or in cast iron skillet.  Bake at 400 F for 35-45 minutes.  They will be hard and dry when done.