Saloon "hard Track" Pilot Crackers

I was looking for a recipe for Saloon Pilot Crackers, originally made by Hilo Macaroni Factory in Hilo, HI. Per the history of this cracker, the Factory's recipe was based on a Hard Tack recipe shared by German cook from a visiting ship. Growing up in Hawaii, we ate these crackers with butter and guava jelly, or with avocado mashed wtih sugar. My parents would break the plain cracker up into a cup of coffee and milk and have it for breakfast! Here's a work-in-progress recipe for these crackers based on a Hard Tack recipe I found on the web.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 12 crackers

Ingredients

• 2  cups flour
• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1  tablespoon shortening
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Mix all ingredients together.
3. Turn onto a floured board and knead for five minutes.
4. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.
5. Roll out half of the dough to 1/4 inch thick.
6. Use the rim of a cup or bowl cut out 12 circles, each about 3" across.
7. Use a fork to prick the center of the circle a few times.
8. Arrange on 2 baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes.
9. Turn oven off and leave crackers in oven until completely cool.