Irish Tea Bread

Servings: 4

12 tablespoons strong tea
1 pound mixed dried fruit *
6 ounces soft brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 ounce butter, melted
9 ounces all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

* The mixed fruit can include raisins, currants, and any other kind of dried fruit you like; chop any larger pieces down to about raisin size.

Place the tea, mixed fruit and sugar in a bowl; cover and leave overnight.

Stir in the egg and melted butter. Sieve the flour and the baking powder together and fold them in.

Line the bottom of a large loaf pan with baking parchment, Pour the mixture in and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven (360 degrees F) on the middle shelf for 1 1/2 hours.

After removing from the oven, leave in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn out of pan and cool on a wire rack.