Australian Damper

Damper bread was a staple of the early Australian settlers' diet. Traditionally, the dough was cooked directly on the coals of an open fire. If you use this method, have a beer handy in case some of the ashes on the damper are still glowing when you eat it!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 133 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 4 cups self-rising flour

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.

Step 2

Stir flour and salt together in a large bowl. Rub in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center; pour in milk and water, then stir until dough comes together.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes; lower the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue to bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. The loaf should be golden brown and the bottom should sound hollow when tapped.

Step 4

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form into an 8-inch-diameter round loaf. Place loaf onto the prepared pan; cut a cross in the top using a sharp knife.