For reasons that I have yet to figure, we always had pilot bread (hardtack) in the house as a kid.

Yeah, it's big in Canada (esp. Newfoundland) and Alaska. Apparently you need it for some Canadian meal called "fish and brewis" which also requires something called "scrunchions."

Scrunchions - is that what they make scrunchies out of?

Now I want bacalhau.

Scrunchions - is that what they make scrunchies out of?

Yes! If you make your scrunchies out of fried bits of salt pork.

Now I want bacalhau.

It's traditional for Christmas and does use salt cod.

fun salt meat fact. The ancient Roman soldiers were not vegetarians. The idea that they were got started because of stories of legions complaining when being given meat rations instead of barley. They complained about being given meat, not because they did not eat meat, but because they were sometimes given meat rations when they were short of salt to preserve it, and risked getting sick when the meat went bad. Fresh meat to be cooked immediately, or meat for extended use when there was salt available was fine with the legions.

It's traditional for Christmas and does use salt cod.

I know.

I know.

Of course you do! I just had to look it up.

You should totally have some. In fact, I think Christmas will be ruined if you don't.

Do you have any salt cod?

Not currently, but I could certainly get some. Although, even more off-topically, my family will be having our own traditional pork pie for Christmas Eve.

my family will be having our own traditional pork pie for Christmas Eve.

You know, pork pie sounds pretty good in theory. What's not to like about pig-related food stuffs and pie? Except pork pie is served cold, in a kind of gelatin. Surrounded by crust.

Yours is probably good though. More like an empanada, which is a little pie that can contain pork.