Recipes - Aussie Outback Bush Tucker (refreshments)

They breed them tough in the Aussie outback - strong, resourceful people who know how to make do, still, their essentials for life are the same as anybody's - a cup of tea and a bit of fresh bread, oh, and a comfortable swag to roll out under the stars.  Here are some genuine recipes from the Australian bush, staples for the Aussie bushman.

BILLY TEA

• First make your fire.  NB: What ever you do, don't start a bush fire.
• Get a billy.  A billy is a tin can with a handle.  In the early days  they were empty bully beef cans, but now you can buy them or, if you are a true bushman, make your own from a large fruit can with a wire handle
• Fill the can 2/3rds with water
• Toss in a handful of tea leaves
• Hang it over the fire
• Leave to brew to your satisfaction
• Lift off with a stick and swing the billy around your body 3 times.  Yes, I know this sounds ridiculous and requires some practice but it makes the leaves drop to the bottom.  BE CAREFUL! and don't do it near children
• Sit back and drink and it is essential to let out a great big "Aaaah" after your first sip

BEER DAMPER

Ingredients:
3 cups self raising flour - ahem - a true bush man wouldn't have anything as fancy as self raising!
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
Pinch salt
50gms butter
2 cups of beer, any kind

• Mix flour, baking soda and salt together
• Rub in butter
• Mix in beer until just combined, don't over mix or it will be tough
• Put into a greased billy and cook over the camp fire until done
• If you don't live in the outback you can bake in an oven at 180C or 350F for 25 - 30 minutes
• Best served with great dollops of butter, billy tea, tall tales and a sing along around the camp fire
• Can be used to mop up bush stew or smothered in golden syrup for desert
• ENJOY and as they say in the outback "bonza, mate"