Maryland Beaten Biscuits

Tray of beaten biscuits being served at a muskrat supper, photograph taken by Kelly Feltault

For many, Eastern Shore families, a holiday meal would not be complete without Maryland Beaten Biscuits. This unique biscuit is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and has been a tradition on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for hundreds of years. For families, this labor-intensive process meant they rose early in the morning, usually on a Saturday, to make beaten biscuits for holidays and guests.  

Dating back to colonial Eastern Shore, slaves and servants would beat biscuit dough on a tree stump and beat it for thirty minutes since yeast and leavening agents were rare products. Beaten biscuits have been referred to as “Pounded Biscuits” and “Apoquiniminc Cakes.”