Damper Aussie Campfire Bread Food

AUSTRALIAN DAMPER

Steps:

• The best way to make this is to mix together the dry ingredients then add the liquid and butter and mix well and then knead it for about 5 minutes.
• Then wrap it in a double layer of greased foil and place it in the coals of the campfire, poking it in and retrieving it a bit later hoping it's done.
• I've also had it where you just throw the dough into the coals and pull off the blacked outside when it's done and eat the inner part.
• To cook it in the oven preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar and mix well. Rub or cut in the butter. Stir in the milk to form a dough.
• Shape into a flattened ball and place on a greased baking sheet or in a round cake tin and bake for about 30 minutes.
• Doing it this way though is not traditional and just won't taste the same.
• You eat it straight away while still hot in thick slices with butter, golden syrup, jam or vegemite.
• This is great camping food and always brings back many happy camping memories.

DAMPER (AUSSIE CAMPFIRE BREAD)

Steps:

• Set oven to hot 200C (400F).
• Grease an 18cm (7 inch) sandwich cake tin or four single serve ramekin dishes.
• Sift flour and salt into a mixing bowl.
• Add any other optional ingredients (see below).
• Make a well in the centre of the flour and add most, but not all of the milk.
• Mix with a knife, adding more milk if necessary, until you have formed a fairly moist, but not sloppy, dough.
• Turn dough into a cake tin or spoon into ramekins.
• Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
• If making a savoury damper, sprinkle the top with cheese and/or add a thin slice or slices of tomato.
• Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown on top and a skewer, inserted in the centre, comes out clean.
• Turn out and cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
• Serve warm with butter.
• Some Variations: Cheese Damper- add 1/2 cup grated cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Cheese and Bacon Damper- add 1/2 cup grated cheese and 2-3 rashers of cooked, chopped bacon.
• Cheese and Herb Damper- add 1/2 cup grated cheese and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil OR 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Fruit Damper- add 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit and 1 tablespoon sugar.
• Orange Damper- add the finely grated rind of an orange and 1 tablespoon sugar.

AUSTRALIAN DAMPER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) Grease a baking sheet.
• In a large bowl, stir together the flour and the salt. With pastry blender or your hands, cut in butter. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk and water. Stir until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form into a round loaf 8 inches across. Place the loaf onto the prepared pan and using a sharp knife, cut a cross in the top.
• Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, then 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.