Bob Lepine (co-host of "FamilyLife Today" radio) and his family follow a tradition of eating "hard tack" during their Thanksgiving meal. An unleavened bread which will last for months without spoiling, hard tack was used during the time of the Pilgrims on voyages across the Atlantic Ocean.

As they eat the bread, Bob reminds his family of the hardships the Pilgrims endured to come to this country. He also asks, "Who else can you think of that needed bread to sustain them on a long trip? The answer: the Israelites, who ate the daily manna which God provided after He brought them out of Egypt.

This context provides the family with an opportunity to remember how God also sustains them and provides for all their needs.

Hard Tack

1/8 teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup flour
4 teaspoons real maple syrup
¼ and 1/8 teaspoon salt
1 ½ tablespoon shortening

Mix baking soda and buttermilk, then set aside. Mix flour, maple syrup, 3/8 teaspoon salt, then cut in the shortening. Add the baking soda/buttermilk mixture. Roll out very thin, then score rectangles in the dough without cutting all the way through. Prick each rectangle several times with a fork. Bake 5-10 minutes or until golden brown at 425 degrees.