Welsh Bara Brith

Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruit
   Place the mixed dried fruit in a large bowl and pour over the cold tea. Cover and leave to soak overnight at room temperature to allow the fruit to plump up and absorb the tea flavors.
2. Prepare the baking tin
   Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan/325°F/Gas Mark 3). Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin with baking parchment, leaving some overhang to help remove the bread later.
3. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, light brown sugar, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients
   Drain any excess tea from the soaked fruit (but don't squeeze dry). Add the soaked fruit to the dry ingredients along with the beaten egg, melted butter, orange marmalade, honey, and orange zest. Fold everything together until well combined, but don't overmix.
5. Bake the bara brith
   Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
6. Cool and finish
   Allow the bara brith to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For a shiny finish, warm 1 tablespoon of honey and brush over the top while the loaf is still warm.