Makes 1 large loaf
9 oz (250g) self-raising flour
1 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1/2 level teaspoon salt
1/2 level teaspoon mixed spice 4 oz (100g) butter
1/2 pint (300ml) cold strong tea 6 oz (175g) mixed dried fruits 4 oz (100g) castor sugar
Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) or Gas no. 4. Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (22.5 x 12.5 x 7.5cm) loaf tin and line the base and shorter sides with a strip of greased greaseproof paper long enough to overlap the sides of the tin. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and mixed spice into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Put the butter, cold tea, mixed dried fruits and sugar into a saucepan and stir over low heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved, then draw off the heat. Allow to cool until the hand can be comfortably held against the side of the pan. Then stir into flour mixture and mix together with a wooden spoon. Spoon mixture into the prepared loaf tin and spread level. Place in the centre of preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then loosen unlined sides and, holding the paper ends, transfer to a wire rack and leave until completely cool. Remove the paper. Serve sliced and buttered.