Irish Spice Bread

Instructions

1. Soak the fruit
   In a large bowl, place the dried fruit and pour over the cooled tea. Cover and leave to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the fruit to plump up and absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the batter
   Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, spices, and baking powder. Add the brown sugar and mix well to combine, breaking up any lumps.
3. Combine wet ingredients
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the beaten egg and honey or treacle to the soaked fruit mixture and stir well. Pour this wet mixture into the well of dry ingredients.
4. Mix the dough
   Fold everything together gently but thoroughly until all the flour is incorporated. The mixture should be fairly wet but not runny. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
5. Prepare the pan
   Grease a 2lb (900g) loaf tin generously with butter and line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to help remove the bread later.
6. Bake the bread
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
7. Cool and finish
   Allow the bread to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For a glossy finish, brush the top with a little warmed honey while still warm.