Recipe of the Week: Nancy’s Fruit Loaf

Ingredients

4 ounces margarine

1 cup sugar (caster, granulated, soft brown)

2 cups dried fruit/dates

1 cup water

1 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 teaspoon mixed spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup self raising flour (seived)

1 cup plain flour (seived)

2 medium eggs (whisked)

Method

In a pan put margarine, sugar, dried fruit/dates – and mix with water, ground ginger, mixed spice and baking soda

Bring slowly to the boil, stirring occasionally then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing to cool before adding self raising flour, plain flour, eggs (whisked)

Mix well then pour into 2 prepared (greased and floured) 1 pound loaf tins. Bake in a moderate oven 170°C/ Fan 150°C/ Gas 3 for approx an hour.

Test with a clean, fine knitting needle to ensure it is cooked through. Cool on wire rack before slicing and enjoying.