Mini Dampers with Cheese, Chives & Herbs 🇦🇺

The Australian damper is a bread historically cooked by drovers and stockmen in early colonial time over an open fire with just basic ingredients like flour, salt and water.  Nowadays we can cook them in the convenience of the home oven, often with the addition of delicious flavours and ingredients.  These mini dampers with cheese, chives and herbs are easy to make when you are feeling peckish or when expecting visitors for a 'cuppa'.  No yeast or extensive kneading of the dough is required and no waiting time for the dough to rise.  In fact, with self-raising flour being used, the less you handle them the better so they don't end up being tough or dry. Serve them warm with a dollop of butter.  They can be stored in an airtight containers and reheated for 30 seconds or so in the microwave oven.  

Makes 8

 

INGREDIENTS

• 250g / 9oz self-raising flour
• 25g / 1oz cold butter, cut into cubes
• 175ml / 6 fl oz milk, plus extra for brushing
• 60g / 2¼oz shredded tasty Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives, plus extra for garnishing
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or granules
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon basil
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

1. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and butter cubes.  Use your fingertips to rub butter into the flour until the mixture looks like fine bread crumbs.
3. Add the milk and combine it with a cutlery knife until a dough begins to form.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1 minute or until a smooth ball is formed.
5. Gently press the dough into a rectangular shape and top with cheese, chives and herbs.  Fold over the dough and knead for no more than 1 minute or until ingredients are just combined.
6. Divide the dough into 8 even portions.  Roll each portion into a ball.  Place them on the prepared tray and flatten slightly.  Cut a deep cross in the centre of each portion with a sharp knife to help them cook evenly.  Brush each portion with extra milk.
7. Bake in a preheated 180°C/350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly.  Garnish with extra chopped chives.  Serve warm.