Clodagh Mckenna’s traditional Irish tea brack
It’s time for elevenses in the studio, and we’re being treated to Clodagh McKenna’s traditional tea brack. A sweet yet savoury loaf packed with lots of fruit, Clodagh will be showing you just how easy it is to make one of her favourite treats.
Traditional Irish tea brack
Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients
350g mixed dried fruit (raisins, golden raisins, and currants)
250ml cold tea
125g soft light brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
250g all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp mixed spice, or ground cinnamon, or nutmeg
Butter, for greasing
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180oC/Fan 160.
2. Place the dried fruit in a bowl and cover with the cold tea. Leave to soak for three to four hours.
3. Place the sugar and egg in a bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Sieve in the flour, baking powder, and spices and mix all the ingredients together - add a little of the tea if the mixture is too dry.
4. Pour the soaked fruits and any remaining tea into the bowl and mix together well. Transfer into a greased 2Ib loaf tin and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Allow to cool on a wire rack.