INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups of self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup of butter or margarine, softened
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
RECIPE
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Add the softened butter or margarine to the bowl and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the milk to the bowl and stir well to combine, forming a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a cross into the top of the loaf.
- Bake the damper in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the damper cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving it with butter or your favorite spread.
Note: If you prefer to cook the damper over an open fire, wrap the dough in aluminum foil and place it in a camp oven or Dutch oven. Cover the oven with hot coals and let the damper cook for about an hour, checking it periodically to ensure it doesn’t burn.