Tea Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, sultanas)

• 1 cup strong brewed tea (black tea works well)

• 1 cup self-rising flour

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 teaspoon mixed spice (or a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

• Butter or oil, for greasing the loaf tin

Instructions:

1. Start by brewing a cup of strong tea. You can use black tea for a traditional flavor, but you can also experiment with other types of tea for different flavors.

2. In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit with the hot tea. Allow the fruit to soak in the tea for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This helps the fruit plump up and become moist.

3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a loaf tin with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

4. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-rising flour and mixed spice. Stir in the brown sugar.

5. Add the beaten egg to the flour mixture and mix until well combined.

6. Fold in the soaked dried fruit and any remaining liquid from the tea mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the tea loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Once baked, remove the tea loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, slice the tea loaf and serve with butter, if desired. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee!