The Tea Bread Recipe is a simple recipe; don’t forget to use the soaking water as well as the fruit.

Ingredients:

1 3⁄4 cups (9oz) mixed dried fruit (golden raisins,

raisins, currants, and mixed citrus peel)

½ cup light brown sugar

1 cup cold black tea

unsalted butter, for greasing

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1⁄2 cup (2oz) walnuts or hazelnuts, chopped

1 large egg, beaten

1½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

Method:

1 Mix the dried fruit and sugar together and leave to soak in the cold tea overnight. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease the loaf pan and

dust with flour.

2 Add the nuts and the egg to the fruit mixture, and mix well to combine. Sift over the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix in thoroughly.

3 Bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour, until the top is dark golden brown and springy to the touch, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

4 Leave to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then turn out to cool completely on a wire rack. This is best served sliced or toasted with butter. STORE The bread will keep in an airtight container for 5 days.