Saffron Tea Bread

Directions

1. 1
   put the saffron in a jug and pour in 230 ml of hot water.
2. 2
   leave to infuse for at least 20 minutes.
3. 3
   put the butter and sugar in a large saucepan and stir over a moderate heat.
4. 4
   When the butter has melted and mixed with the sugar, add the sultanas and cherries.
5. 5
   pour in the saffron water.
6. 6
   return to heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
7. 7
   leave to cool.
8. 8
   preheat over to 180c/gas 4.
9. 9
   grease and line a 500gr loaf tin.
10. 10
    stir in the flour/salt and baking powder and slowly stir into saffron mixture to form a batter.
11. 11
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake for between 1 and 1 and quarter hours, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
12. 12
    leave to cool on a rack.
13. 13
    serve in slices with butter.
14. 14
    I have a 1 KG tin, so just use double the mixture and bake longer