IRISH BARMBRACK

Barmbrack is an Irish fruit cake, a moist loaf packed with mixed spice and dried fruit.

• Makes one 2lb loaf

• Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes plus soaking overnight and 1-2 days to mature

• Effort: easy

INGREDIENTS

375 g mixed dried fruit

50 ml whiskey

250 ml cold tea

butter, for greasing

225 g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

125 g light soft brown sugar

½ tsp mixed spice

1 large egg

METHOD

1. Place the mixed dried fruit in a bowl and pour over the whiskey and cold tea. Allow to soak up the liquid overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan/gas 3. Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin.

3. 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.

4. 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 1 hour.

5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from the loaf tin and placing on a wire rack. 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.