Civil War Tea Cakes

CIVIL WAR TEA CAKES

This recipe was from my great-grandmother and they are good. The tea cakes also can be decorated if desired for any special occasion.

What you need …

3 to 4 cups plain flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup butter (lard)

1 egg

2 tbsp vinegar

1 tsp vanilla flavoring

4 tbsp water

2 tbsp finely grated orange zest

What you do …

Thoroughly mix sugar, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, cream the sugar mixture with butter, add egg and mix well.

Add vinegar, flavoring and water. Add enough flour to make a good stiff dough.

Roll out on a floured surface about 1/4-inch thick. Using a large clean snuff can or cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place on lightly greased baking pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned on edges.

NOTE: using the vinegar and water was used to replace milk or cream.

— Louise Burch