A golden amber spiced loaf that is moist and rich. A definite winter warmer in every slice and depending on which mix of spices you use and dried fruit you add, it will have a wonderful abundant seasonal flavour.
Pumpkin Raisin Fruit Loaf
------------------------------------------------------------------------
makes 1 loaf
1 3/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon English mixed spice
1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie spice
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup Italian mixed peel or any citrus candied peel
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup white sugar
3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 can (398 ml) pumpkin purée
1/2 cup light olive oil
1/4 cup milk or orange juice
walnut pieces or pumpkin seeds for sprinkling on top, optional
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºF). Lightly grease and flour a 2 lb. loaf tin and line the bottom with baking parchment. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, spices and salt. Whisk together and then add the raisins and Italian mixed peel. Stir to combine.
In another bowl whisk the eggs, white sugar and brown sugar together until combine. Then whisk in the pumpkin purée, olive oil and milk or orange juice, which ever you are using, until incorporated and smooth. Pour into the flour mixture and gently stir together until just combined. Do not over mix.
Pour or spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Sprinkle walnut pieces or pumpkin seeds, if you are using, over the top.
Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean, a few moist crumbs will be fine, checking halfway through baking time and covering the top with aluminum foil if you notice the top browning too quickly.
Allow the loaf to cool completely in the tin on a wire rack before carefully removing to slice and serve.
Notes: if you cannot find any English mixed spice just use 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice. You can also mix together your own spice blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, all spice and or cardamom. You may also add some grated orange zest to the batter.