Planning a BBQ or camping trip? Try this easy and fun recipe to make damper bread or campfire bread, a versatile and customisable recipe which is great for making with kids! Even better, it can easily be made vegan or gluten-free by swapping out the ingredients.
This recipe makes around ten small breads or five bigger ones.
Ingredients:
- 300g self raising flour
- 240ml milk of choice
- ½ tsp salt
- 75g butter of choice
- 1-2 tsp sugar (optional)
- Savoury or sweet flavourings of your choice such as: oregano, rosemary, thyme, roasted garlic or garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg or a handful of cheese.
- Sticks or skewers
Recipe:
- Mix the bread dough: add the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Rub the butter into the flour mix until it resembles a fine crumble.
- Add flavourings: stir in any extra ingredients. You may want to divide your dough into two bowls and make one savoury version and one sweet!
- Add the wet ingredients: mix in the milk a little at a time and stir. Keep going until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Knead the dough for a short time in the bowl (if it is too sticky add a bit more flour).
- Tear off pieces of dough the size of a golf ball and roll into a sausage. Stick this onto a stick or skewer. Twist the dough down the stick and wrap at the bottom to secure it.
- Cook your bread sticks! Adult supervision is required for this step.
- If you have a fire or fire pit make sure the fire has died down, as flames will burn the outside of the dampers. Cook the sticks over the embers, but not too close.
- If you're using a barbecue, prepare it for for indirect cooking on a medium heat (180°C if you have a thermometer). If you are cooking on a gas barbecue with a hood, turn the inner burners off and leave the outer ones on. For coal, build a fire on each side of the barbecue.
- They will take from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness. Keep turning them until they are nicely baked Be patient! Once they're cooked, tap the dough - it should feel solid and sound hollow.
- For sweet breads you could them dip into jam or chocolate spread.
Cooking outside is a great way to reconnect with nature. Remember to practise campfire safety and always keep a bucket of water on hand. Enjoy your breads!