Recipe for cooking damper bread

Recipes from Oceania and the Philippines :: Oceania and Filipino Breads

This bread dates back to the early days of the Australian colonies. It may have been named for William Dampier, an early explorer.

1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water (105 degrees fahrenheit to 115 degrees fahrenheit)
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 c. flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. shortening
1 c. buttermilk

Dissolve yeast in warm water; stir in sugar. Mix flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl; cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in yeast mixture and buttermilk until soft dough forms. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; gently knead until smooth, about 1 minute. Cover; let rest 10 mins.

Shape dough into a round 7-in. diameter loaf. Place on greased cookie sheet. Cover; let rise in warm place 1/2 an hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Cut an X about 1/2 in. deep in top of bread. Bake until golden brown, about 35 mins.

Serve warm. Tear bread into pieces to serve.