Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of mixed dried fruit
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of strong black tea
Special equipment needed:
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk and black tea.
6. Fold in the mixed dried fruit.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
8-10 slices
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 270
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mixed dried fruit can be substituted with raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with white granulated sugar or coconut sugar.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- Strong black tea can be substituted with any other type of tea or coffee.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Use different types of dried fruit for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the dried fruit in the black tea for a few hours before making the recipe for a more intense flavor.
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix the batter as it can result in a tough loaf.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for easier cutting.
Storage instructions:
Store the fruit tea loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, slice the loaf and toast it in a toaster or oven until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the fruit tea loaf sliced and arranged on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the loaf is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the loaf is too moist, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- If the loaf is overbrowning, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired. Wash hands and surfaces before and after handling food.
Food history:
Fruit tea loaf has been a popular British tea-time treat since the 19th century.
Flavor profiles:
The fruit tea loaf has a sweet and fruity flavor with a hint of tea.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the fruit tea loaf as a dessert or a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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