Fruit and Nut Loaf

 

A nutted fruit loaf that can be delightfully devoured with a cup of tea although I do appreciate a slice with a cup of coffee, to linger over on a weekend. The buttery crumb texture is subtly sweet with a nutty fruit flavour that melts in your mouth. You don't have to icing this loaf although drizzled with a simple glaze icing gives it a more celebratory feel whatever the day or occasion. 

Fruit and Nut Loaf

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 cups unbleached all purpose flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed

1 cup mixed chopped nuts

1 cup mixed dried berries

1 egg, well beaten

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup melted butter, slightly cooled

1/4 teaspoon baking soda, dissolved in 1 teaspoon warm water

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease and flour a 3 lb. loaf tin and line the bottom with baking parchment or lightly grease and flour two standard, 2 lb, loaf tins and line the bottom with baking parchment.  

In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, chopped nuts and dried berries together. 

Create a well in the centre and add the egg, milk, vanilla, melted butter and the baking soda water. Using a wooden spoon, stir until everything is mixed and blended together. 

Pour into the prepared loaf tin or tins and allow the batter to stand covered in a warm place for 20 minutes before baking.

Baking in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. 

Notes: dark pans bake things more quickly than lighter pans and ovens vary so baking times may vary.