Irish Tea Loaf REC

[AllenOK]

Hi all. I just found this recipe today in my local newspaper

Irish Tea Loaf
Yields: 6 – 8 servings

1 ½ c hot tea
2 c golden raisins
2 c currants
1 egg, beaten
1 t mixed spice
2 t baking powder
1 c packed brown sugar
3 ½ c flour

Pour the hot tea over the dried fruit and leave to soak overnight. The next day, preheat the oven to 325ºF and butter a 7” cake pan.
Mix together the egg, mixed spice, baking powder, sugar, flour, and the dried fruit. Pour the mixture into the cake pan. Bake for 1 ½ hours, or until it tests done. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes before turning the loaf out onto a wire rack.
Serve hot or toasted, with butter.

My main question is, does anyone know what "mixed spice" is? Is it something readily available here in the US, or do I need to mix my own blend? Are there any UK members that can help?

 

[waaza]

mixed spice

this is a mix of aromatic spice powders, usually containing cassia, cloves and nutmeg. you could substitute a garam masala or baharat, or use ground pimento berries, also called allspice. HTH, ping if more info neded. :p
cheers
Waaza

 

[Ishbel]

When I make a teabread with a similar recipe, I use a teaspoon of the following spices mixed together...
clove, cinnamon and ginger!

Allspice is good, though - and I use it for things like Christmas pud!

http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/allspice.html

 

[AllenOK]

Thank you!

 

[Ishbel]

Allen
If you like this recipe, you might like to try a slightly 'fancier' teabread recipe that I've posted in the Desserts forum. I make a couple of teabreads to have on hand for surprise visitors over the Easter holidays!