Australian damper bread

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup self raising flour ((see notes))
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter (cold)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tbsp water (or may need 1 tbsp more or less)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375F/190C. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. 2

   Mix the flour and salt together in a bowl. Cut the butter into small cubes then rub the butter into the flour with your fingers to give a rough crumb texture.

3. 3

   Add the milk and mix in with a blunt knife so the dough comes together. Gradually add the water so that you incorporate all of the flour into the dough. It should be soft but not particularly sticky.

4. 4

   Lightly flour a clean work surface and scoop out the dough onto it. Flour your hands and gently bring the dough into a flattened ball and toss in the flour so it is lightly floured on the outside.

5. 5

   Transfer the dough to the lined baking sheet, score the top (for this size, into quarters is good, but you can do more if you like). Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the outside is gently golden and the base sounds hollow when you tap it. Let cool a little before slicing or cutting chunks (you can also break down the score marks, if they are clear enough after baking).