This recipe makes a beautiful, moist loaf, packed with flavour from the mixed spice and dried fruit which have sat overnight in cold tea and whiskey, soaking up all the goodness.
Ingredients:
375g (13oz) packet of mixed, dried fruit
50ml (2fl oz) whiskey
250ml (9fl oz) cold tea
Butter, for greasing
225g (8oz) plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
125g (4 1/2oz) soft, light brown sugar
1/2 tsp mixed spice
1 large egg
2 spoons honey
A ring, or other charms to place inside (optional)
Method:
Place the dried fruit in a bowl and pour over the whiskey and cold tea. Allow to soak up the liquid overnight.
Preheat the over to 170°C (325°F/Gas 3). Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin.
Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and mixed spice in a mixing bowl. Make a well and break in the egg, then use a wooden spoon to mix it with the dry ingredients. Add a little bit of the liquid from the mixed fruit and mix it through. You may not need all the liquid, though you are looking for a wet dough.
Stir in the mixed fruit until everything is thoroughly combined. Add the ring and stir through. Spoon the wet dough into the lined loaf tin, place on the middle shelf in the oven and bake for one hour.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from the loaf tin and placing on a wire rack. Brush the top with honey, cover in cling film and foil and allow to sit for 1-2 days before cutting into it.
Serve in slices, spread with a little butter and accompany with a good cuppa!