Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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What in the world is Bear Sign? Long before convenience stores and modern bakeries, cowboys and hoboes enjoyed this delicious campfire treat cooked in a cast iron skillet over an open fire. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and often dusted with sugar, Bear Sign was a welcome morale booster after a long day on the trail or riding the rails.

In this video, I recreate this forgotten recipe using traditional methods and explore the fascinating history behind one of the Old West's tastiest secrets. Join me around the campfire as we bring history back to life!

If you enjoy historical camping, hobo history, cowboy cooking, bushcraft, and forgotten outdoor skills, be sure to subscribe for more adventures.

1885 Bear Sign Recipe (Period Style)

Ingredients:

4 cups All-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup melted butter
2 eggs separated
1 cup sour milk (or cultured buttermilk as a modern substitute)

Directions

Mix the flour, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.
Rub or cut in the butter.
Beat the eggs and stir them into the sour milk.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Roll out to about ¼–½ inch thick.
Pinch off into round balls
Fry in hot lard until golden brown on both sides.
Drain and dust with sugar if desired.

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#bushcraft #cowboys #hobos #campfirecooking #castiron #history #survival #waypointsurvival