Camp Oven Cheese and Chive Damper Bread

Camp Oven Damper with Cheese and Chives: A Savory Outback Bread

Camp oven damper with cheese and chives is a delightful savoury twist on the traditional Australian bread that has been enjoyed by generations. This article explores the history and evolution of damper, focusing on its origins, significance, and how it has adapted over time to include delightful variations such as cheese and chives.

The Origins of Damper: A Staple of the Outback

Damper is an iconic bread that has its roots firmly planted in the history of Australia's early settlers. This simple bread was a staple for swagmen, stockmen, and drovers who needed a reliable and easy-to-make food source during their travels across the vast and remote outback.

• Early Settlers: The earliest forms of damper were made by Australian settlers using basic ingredients such as flour, water, and sometimes milk. The simplicity of the recipe allowed for quick and easy preparation while requiring minimal resources.
• Swagmen and Drovers: These itinerant workers carried their provisions as they moved from place to place, often relying on damper for sustenance. They would bake the bread in the ashes of campfires or in simple camp ovens.
• Traditional Method: The traditional method of baking damper involved wrapping the dough around a stick and cooking it over a fire or placing it directly in the ashes, hence the name "damper" which derives from "damping" the fire by burying the dough in the hot coals.

**Example:** Swagmen, carrying only the essentials, would make damper as a reliable and quick source of nutrition while trekking through the Australian outback.

Evolution of Damper: Incorporating Ingredients

While the traditional damper remains popular, various adaptations have emerged over the years. One such delightful variation is the camp oven damper with cheese and chives, which adds a savoury twist to the classic recipe.

• Introduction of Cheese and Chives: Adding cheese and chives to the damper recipe introduces a burst of flavour, transforming the simple bread into a more gourmet offering. The cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, while the chives provide a fresh, onion-like zing.
• Enhanced Nutritional Value: The incorporation of cheese and chives not only enhances the flavour but also adds nutritional value to the bread, providing proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
• Adaptability: This variation showcases the adaptability of damper, demonstrating how it can be transformed to suit different tastes and occasions while retaining its rustic charm and simplicity.

**Example:** Modern campers often enjoy making damper with cheese and chives in a camp oven, finding it a delicious accompaniment to their outdoor meals.

Camp Ovens: The Authentic Way to Bake Damper

Cooking damper in a camp oven is a time-honoured tradition that enhances the flavour and experience of this beloved bread. The camp oven, often made of cast iron, is ideal for baking damper in outdoor settings.

• Heat Distribution: The cast iron material of camp ovens ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for baking bread evenly. This prevents undercooked centres and burnt exteriors.
• Versatility and Durability: Camp ovens are incredibly durable and versatile, making them suitable for a range of cooking methods, from baking to roasting to stewing. This makes them an essential tool for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
• Authentic Flavour: Baking damper in a camp oven imparts a unique smoky flavour characteristic of traditional bush cooking, adding an authentic touch to this rustic bread.

**Example:** The use of a camp oven harkens back to the methods of early settlers and bushmen, lending an authentic flavour and experience to baking damper.

A Symbol of Community and Tradition

Damper, especially when baked with cheese and chives, is more than just bread. It symbolises community, simplicity, and tradition, holding a special place in Australian culinary heritage.

• Community Gatherings: The act of preparing and baking damper often brings people together, whether around a campfire or in a modern kitchen. It fosters a sense of community and shared experience.
• Preserving Tradition: While modern variations like cheese and chives add a new dimension to damper, the core recipe remains simple and true to its

  Camp Oven Cheese and Chive Damper Bread

  Damper bread is a staple of Australian bush cooking, traditionally prepared over an open fire. This recipe for Camp Oven Cheese and Chive Damper Bread adds a modern twist to the classic with a delicious blend of cheese and chives, making it the perfect companion for your camping meals.

  Ingredients

  • 3 cups (450 grams / 16 oz) self-raising flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) or 250 grams (8.8 oz) grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams / 1 oz) chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • Extra flour for dusting

  Equipment

  • Camp oven (Dutch oven), approximately 4.5 litres (5 quarts)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heat-resistant tongs
  • Fire gloves

  Instructions

  1. Preparing the Campfire

  • Set up a campfire or prepare your portable gas burner, ensuring you have enough coals or a steady flame to maintain consistent heat.
  • Place the camp oven over the medium heat to preheat for about 10 minutes with the lid on.

  2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
  • Add the grated cheddar cheese and chopped chives. Stir until the cheese and chives are evenly distributed.

  3. Adding the Wet Ingredients

  • Gradually add the milk and water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a soft dough. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the damper from becoming tough.

  4. Forming the Damper

  • Dust your hands and a clean surface with a little flour.
  • Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
  • Using a sharp knife, score a cross on the top of the loaf about 1 cm (0.4 inches) deep. This helps the damper cook evenly.

  5. Baking the Damper

  • Carefully remove the preheated camp oven from the heat using heat-resistant tongs and fire gloves.
  • Dust the bottom of the camp oven with a little flour to prevent the damper from sticking.
  • Place the shaped dough into the camp oven and cover it with the lid.
  • Return the camp oven to the heat, arranging coals on top of the lid for even heat distribution.
  • Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the damper is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Check occasionally to prevent burning, adjusting coals as necessary.

  6. Cooling and Serving

  • Once baked, carefully remove the camp oven from the heat using heat-resistant tongs and fire gloves.
  • Allow the damper to cool in the camp oven for a few minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Serve warm, sliced with butter, or as a side dish to your favourite campfire meal.

  Conclusion

  Camp Oven Cheese and Chive Damper Bread is a straightforward and delicious addition to your outdoor cooking repertoire. With its crispy crust and soft, flavourful interior, this damper bread is sure to become a favourite on your camping trips. Enjoy the taste of tradition with a modern twist, and share this classic Australian treat with friends and family around the campfire.