Irish Barmbrack

I can't really believe that I haven't posted this recipe before now as it is one of my all time faves! I happen to be half Irish and so whenever we visit my grandparents, who are great lovers of food as well, there is always a loaf of Barmbrack, fresh from the oven.

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish, sweetened bread that is stuffed full of gorgeous sultanas and raisins. Often served at tea time in thick slices and slathered with butter but I can eat it at any time as it's so so addictive.

Ingredients

375g of mixed fruit (sultanas, raisins and candied peel, if you like it)

225g plain flour

2tsp baking powder

300ml cold tea

125g light brown sugar

1 large egg

1tsp mixed spice

Method

1. Soak the fruit overnight in a large bowl with the cold tea and whiskey. (If you don't have the time, just soak if for as long as possible).

2. Preheat oven to 170C and line a large 900g loaf tin with baking paper.

3. Add the flour, baking powder and mixed spice to a mixing bowl.

4. Mix the egg in slowly.

5. Spoon out the soaked fruit and add it to the bowl. Add most of the liquid, leaving around 5tbsp.

6. Pour into the tin and bake for an hour until golden on top.

7. Once baked, leave it in the tin for a couple of minutes to rest before turing out.

8. Enjoy with a mug of tea!