Spiced Walnut Fruit Loaf Recipe

Spiced Walnut Fruit Loaf Recipe

• 175g caster sugar

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 egg

• 120ml orange juice

• 2 tablespoons orange flower water (optional)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 225g flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• pinch baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom seeds

• 150g each, sliced dried figs, dried apricots and dates, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, well drained, spread out to dry on a clean cloth, fruit then tossed with 3 tablespoons flour

• 150g walnut pieces

Preheat the oven to 160°C

Butter and paper the bottom of a 23cmx 12cm loaf tin.

Beat the sugar and butter until pale.

Beat in the egg and stir in the orange juice and the orange flower water if using.

Stir in the flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, cardamom, fruit and walnuts.

Mix well but do not beat.

Pour into the tin and bake for about 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the loaf.

Remove from the oven and cool.

Serve sliced with butter if desired.

Also good with sharp cheese like cheddar or aged Gouda.

Serves 8.