Monday Bake - Spiced Tea Loaf

A few weeks ago Hubby and I visited  the Brewery Tea Rooms in Walkern, a village on the edge of Stevenage.  

I had the raspberry roulade, very light, and Hubby had an enormous wedge of millionaire shortbread.  We both had cappuccinos - all were really delicious.  This is a really pretty place for coffee and cake, it's part of the owners home.  There is a lovely gift shop at the back.   There were two ladies having the afternoon tea for a birthday celebration - it looked really good - might have to go there for a special occasion.  

At the other end of the village is Jolie - a pretty little knitting and gift shop - full of pretty things, well worth a visit.

Today I made a Spiced Tea Loaf. 

Ingredients:
225g mixed dried fruit
125ml cold tea
225g self raising flour
125g soft light brown sugar
1 tsp ground mixed spice
1 egg - beaten

Method:
Soak the fruit in the tea overnight, or for a couple of hours, until it has all plumped up and absorbed most of the liquid.

Preheat the oven to 180c/GM4. Line a loaf tin.

In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar and mixed spice.  Add the soaked fruit, along with any remaining liquid and the beaten egg.  Mix well, it should drop easily off the mixing spoon.  If it is a bit thick, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen, stir again. Keep doing this until it is the correct consistency then pour into the loaf tin and bake for 1 hour, until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin.

Slice and serve with butter (and jam if you like).

Thanks for visiting,
Bakebakegirl

Today's top three Spotify songs;

1.Addicted To Love - Robert Palmer
2. Wishing, If I Had A Photograph Of You - A Flock of Seagulls
3. Shiny Shiny - Haysi Fantayzee