Welsh Bara Brith

Deb Hunt

This recipe came from my Aunty Beth (real name Aunty Buddug) who lived in a tiny cottage in the Welsh mountains. She often saved the last cup of tea in the pot for her next batch of Bara Brith and the taste of this traditional Welsh bread - served to princes and paupers for centuries - brings me closer to family on the other side of the world. 

Ingredients

350g SR flour

350g dried mixed fruit

1tbsp water

200g honey

200ml cold tea

1 egg

1 tsp mixed spice

+ honey to glaze

Method

  • soak fruit in cold tea overnight

  • add the rest of the ingredients, mix well

  • pour mixture into greased and floured tin (a large 2lb 4oz loaf tin or can be split between two smaller loaf tins)

  • bake for 1 to 1+1/4 hours at 350F

  • brush with honey while still hot

Delicious slathered with salted butter