Irish Tea Cakes

Directions

1. 1
   The day before you intend to cook this recipe, place all the fruit and the mixed peel into a large mixing bowl.
2. 2
   In a medium bowl or large heat proof jug, measure out 275ml of boiling water.
3. 3
   Jiggle the tea bag around in the water until you have a nice, strong brew.
4. 4
   Add the sugar to the hot tea and stir until sugar is dissolved.
5. 5
   Pour tea/sugar mixture over the fruit.
6. 6
   Cover and leave overnight.
7. 7
   The next day, set the oven to 170C/325°F.
8. 8
   Grease two 450g/1lb loaf tins and line the base and sides with baking paper- also known as baking parchment or silicone paper.
9. 9
   Add the chopped walnuts to the fruit mixture.
10. 10
    Break the egg into a small dish, add the milk, and beat lightly.
11. 11
    Add the egg mixture to the fruit mixture.
12. 12
    Sieve the flour into the fruit mixture then mix well, using a wooden spoon- the mixture may seem dry at first, but keep mixing and it will come together.
13. 13
    Using a large serving spoon, divide the mixture evenly between the lined loaf tins, then smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
14. 14
    Place on the centre shelf of the oven and bake for 1 1/4- 1 1/2 hours until a skewer, pushed through the centre of the cake, comes out clean.
15. 15
    Be careful not to overcook- test after 1 1/4 hours.
16. 16
    Remove cakes from oven and turn out immediately to cool on a wire rack.
17. 17
    Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced and buttered.