Barabrith teabread

225g mixed dried fruit and mixed peel

225ml hot strong tea, strained (I used at least 6 bags)

225g self-raising flour

1 teaspoon mixed spice

25g butter

100g soft brown sugar

1 egg, lightly beaten

1. Put the fruit and peel into a heat proof bowl and pour over the hot tea and leave to stand at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
2. Pre heat the oven to 180 C / Gas 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.
3. Sift the flour and mixed spice into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and, with your finger tips, rub it into the flour until the mixture starts to resemble fine bread crumbs.
4. Stir in the sugar, then add the fruit and its liquid, and the beaten egg. Stir well to create a soft consistency.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin and level the surface.
6. Put the tea bread into the hot oven and cook for about an hour (maybe a good idea to check at 50 minutes) or until a skewer comes out clean. Turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
7. Slice and serve with butter.

Seriously delicious!

You can vary this recipe by adding chopped glace cherries or use different kinds of teas, such as Earl Grey or a fruit tea.