Damper is one of the most traditional Australian "breads". It's very simple to make, contains few ingredients and was originally made by bush settlers who baked it in an open fire. It's traditionally eaten with butter and golden syrup.

The recipe for damper is very similar to the recipe for biscuits, and indeed damper looks like one huge biscuit and tastes exactly like one. I served it before dinner with butter, but you could also serve it with breakfast or tea. The recipe below is good enough for one loaf. After I made it, I realized that it wouldn't be enough for 4 people so I made another loaf. There was little left over.

I will most likely make damper again as it's really easy and a very good substitute for bread.

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Damper

Ingredients

2 cups self-rising flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

3 tbsp. butter

1 cup milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix flour, salt and sugar in a bowl. Add butter and mix with your hands until you get fine crumbs. Add milk and make a soft dough. Place dough on a floured surface and pat it with your hands into a round shape. Place on a greased cookie sheet and brush with milk. Cut an X-shape on the top. Bake damper for about 30-40 minutes, until golden brown.

Adapted from a Global Gourmet recipe