Fruity Tea Bread

Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr 30 mins Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• 1 lb plain flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ounce unsalted butter
• 1 package fast-rising active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon chinese five spice powder
• 1 ounce caster sugar
• 3 ounces dried apricots, chopped
• 3 ounces dried figs, chopped or 3 ounces sultanas
• 2 ounces pecans, chopped
• 10 fluid ounces milk, lukewarm
• clear honey, to glaze

Recipe

• 1 sift the flour and salt into a bowl, and rub in the butter.
• 2 stir in the yeast, spices, sugar, fruit and nuts.
• 3 add the milk and mix to a dough.
• 4 turn out onto a floured work surface.
• 5 knead lightly for 5-10 minutes.
• 6 cut into 2 equal-sized pieces.
• 7 shape to fit two 1-pound loaf tins.
• 8 place in greased loaf tins.
• 9 cover with oiled polyethylene and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• 10 bake at 425°f for 30-40 minutes.
• 11 brush with honey to glaze.