Barm Brack

Directions

1. 1
   Mix the dried fruit and tea in a medium bowl.
2. 2
   Cover and let stand overnight.
3. 3
   Put the flour in a large bowl.
4. 4
   Mix in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
5. 5
   Stir in the sugar, yeast, spice, and salt.
6. 6
   Lightly beat the milk and one egg together, add to the flour mixture, and stir to make a stiff dough.
7. 7
   Drain the dried fruit and pat dry.
8. 8
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 810 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
9. 9
   Pat out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with the drained fruit, roll up, and knead just until the fruit is distributed.
10. 10
    (Do not knead too much, or the soft fruit will start break up.)
11. 11
    If the dough becomes too sticky, knead in a little more flour.
12. 12
    Lightly butter an 8 in (20cm) round cake pan.
13. 13
    Shape the dough into a ball and press it into the pan.
14. 14
    Cover the pan with a piece of oiled plastic wrap.
15. 15
    Let stand a warm place for 4060 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
16. 16
    Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
17. 17
    Beat the remaining egg and lightly brush the top of the bread with the egg.
18. 18
    Bake for 20 minutes.
19. 19
    Reduce the oven temperature to 350F (180C) and bake for another 2030 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when removed from the pan and tapped on the bottom.
20. 20
    If the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
21. 21
    Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
22. 22
    Serve the bread warm or at room temperature.