Irish Barmbrack Loaf

Recipe for: CAKE – IRISH BARMBRACK

Ingredients:

·        375g mixed dried fruits

·        50ml whiskey

·        250ml strong cold tea

·        Butter for greasing

·        225g plain flour

·        1 tsp baking powder

·        ½ tsp mixed spice

·        125g soft brown sugar

·        1 large egg, beaten

Method:

1.      Put fruits into large bowl with whiskey & cold tea, stir, cover & allow to soak (preferably overnight)

2.      Heat oven to 140C (fan)

3.      Grease & line sides & base of 900g loaf tin

4.      In large bowl put the flour, baking powder, sugar and spice

5.      Make a well in the centre and add the beaten egg, and two tblsp of the soaking liquid

6.      Strain the soaked fruit & add to the bowl

7.      Mixture should be a soft cake mix that will just fall off a spoon.  If too dry add more soaking liquid, but only a tblsp at a time

8.      Spoon mixture into cake tin

9.      Bake in centre of oven for 50-60 minutes or until cake has risen, and a skewer comes out clean

10.   Leave to cool in tin for a few minutes, then turn out onto wire rack

11.   When cold, wrap in clingfilm and foil and leave for two days

12.   Serve sliced & spread with butter