Barm Brack

Difficulty: easy Prep Time: Total Time:
1/2 cup warm milk
3 tsp sugar
1 tsp fresh yeast
2 cups plain flour
2 tbsp castor (superfine) sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
3 tbsp butter
1 egg
2 cups mixed fruit (currants, sultanas, raisins, candied peel)
Pinch salt
3 tsp boiling water

Cream yeast and 1 tsp sugar and add to milk; let rise. Sift together flour, castor sugar and spice, and rub in butter. Make a well in centre and add the yeast mixture and egg, beaten. Beat mixture with wooden spoon until dough forms, about 10 min. Use hands to work in fruit and salt; knead dough. Place in a bowl, cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size. Knead again, and place in a greased round 15-cm cake dish and let rise another 30 min. Bake near the top of a pre-heated oven at 400°F, for 45 min. Dissolve remaining 2 tsp sugar in boiling water and brush over finished product.