Have you heard of damper?  More than likely you have.  Well there’s many ways to make and serve damper, and some of us Aussies are pretty touchy on the subject.  We can be very opinionated when it comes to the best damper recipes, and how to cook them!  Well, today I’d like to share with you one particular way to make damper, and if I do say so myself, it’s the best…

It’s super easy and lots of fun. Firstly, in the morning, get a good fire going and keep it going all day long so there is a great big collection of coals at the bottom.  Make some bread dough.  Portion it off into small balls about the size of a tennis ball (ish).  Go and find a nice long straight-ish stick and clean off the bits of sand and debris from the end.  If you are particular you can wash it or whatever, but really, who does that?  As a good friend of mine used to say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Mould the damper dough over the end of your stick and hold it over the coals, not the flames.  Then proceed to discuss the finer details about how exactly is the best way to turn the stick, optimum height to be held above said hot coals for best results, rate of turning etc…  It’s lots of fun and keeps you warm and happy while camping.

NOW… when it’s golden brown, or charred black – either which way is acceptable, remove the damper from the stick, and fill the centre with butter and home made jam or golden syrup or honey.  Crunch through the lovely dough, enjoy the banter and warmth and be ye grateful