Australian Damper Bread

Method

• In a small bowl, soften yeast in water, about 5 minutes
• Stir in milk; set aside
• In a bowl, mix 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt
• With a pastry blender or your fingers, cut or rub butter into flour mixture until fine crumbs form
• Add milk mixture; stir until evenly moistened
• Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth, about 15 times; add flour if required to prevent sticking
• Shape dough into a lumpy round loaf, 5 to 6 inches in diameter
• Dust lightly with flour, then place in a greased 8-inch round cake pan
• With a sharp knife, cut an X about 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches long across centre of loaf
• Bake on bottom rack of a 375 degree F oven until well browned, about 55 minutes
• Remove from pan and let cool on a rack for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve warm.