Harty Eat'n

Biscuits

The answer to where biscuits originated depends on the kind of biscuit you are thinking about. In some countries the word biscuit historically refers to a hard cookie or cracker. In the United States biscuits are generally small soft, yeast-based products served with breakfast or dinner. They perform a variety of functions including filling (hungry bellies), topping (eg. pies) and sopping (eg. biscuits & gravy). Cowboy-style biscuits were rustled up by pioneers and overland travelers in makeshift ovens. Cathead biscuits and beaten biscuits are two popular American regional favorites. Refrigerator biscuits (packed in a tube, ready to bake) debuted in 1931.

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Beans!

How did chuck wagon cooks make their beans?

Mid-19th century bean dishes were made with dried beans, often pinto. These required hours of soaking before they could be cooked. How did the chuck wagon cooks have these ready and waiting for hungry cowboys at meal time?

http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpioneer.html#cowboy