Pendlebury Fruit Loaf

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350*F (180*C or Gas Mark 4).
2. 2
   Put butter, sugar, milk, sultanas, and candied (or glace) cherries into a large saucepan.
3. 3
   Bring almost to the boil over a low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. 4
   Remove pan from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Add 1 cup flour, the mixed spice and the bicarb into the pan and add half the beaten egg, mix thoroughly.
6. 6
   Now add the rest of the flour and egg and mix again.
7. 7
   Pour mixture into a paper-lined loaf tin.
8. 8
   Bake on middle shelf of oven for approx 1 hour.
9. 9
   Remove from tin and allow to cool on a wire rack.
10. 10
    Best served cut into thick slices and spread thickly with butter.