Ingredients

Preparation 30 minutes, plus overnight steeping of fruit. Baking time 1 1/2 hours

1 1/2 cups hot tea
2 cups golden raisins
2 cups currants
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon mixed spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup (well packed) soft brown sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

Directions

Pour the hot tea over the dried fruit and leave to soak overnight.

The next day, preheat the oven to 325 F. Butter a 7-inch cake pan.

Mix together the egg, mixed spice, baking powder, sugar, flour and the dried fruit. Pour the mixture into the cake pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes before turning the loaf out on to a wire rack.

Serve hot or toasted, with butter. Makes 6 to 8 servings.