The Cook and Kitchen Staff are still wandering the "land down under" in wonder at the festive holiday recipes from Australia. It's like no other place in the world, and even the most familiar Christmas traditions have a unique flavor and spirit found only in Australia.

Australia's vast outback is half desert and half grasslands. The interior of the country possesses a rugged charm all its own. You might find today's recipes a standard on the wild range of Australia's outback.

The damper is a bread-like loaf whose thick wedges are normally served warm with jam, butter, and/or syrup. Today's recipe is a savory version of its plainer cousin that consists of 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 cup of milk. Prepare today's recipe either plain or savory, and enjoy a taste of Australia, today!

Pre-heat oven to 350-F degrees.

Combine flour, cheddar cheese, paprika, pepper, and sage in a large mixing bowl Add butter or margarine and mix with a fork until the dough is crumbly. Add the evaporated milk and mix until a soft dough is formed.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough into an 8-inch round shape. Using a sharp knife, cut eight wedges almost through the dough. Brush the top of the dough with the regular milk, and sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese and poppy seeds.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When slightly cooled, cut through the wedges and serve warm. Store in an airtight container and rewarm before serving remaining damper wedges.

Makes One Damper

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