Fruit Loaves Mary Berry Food

MARY BERRY'S MINCEMEAT LOAF CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180C/160Fan/350F.
• Grease and line 2 1lb (450g) loaf tins.
• Simply mix all the ingredients except for the blanched almonds together until they are well incorporated.
• Spoon the mixture into your loaf tins. Stud with the blanched almonds/halved cherries.
• Bake for 1 hour if using 1lb loaf tins or 35-40 minutes for mini loaf tins or until the cakes are shrinking from the sides, risen and golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

FRUIT LOAF

Steps:

• Measure fruit, mixed spice, butter, brandy and sugar and put in a saucepan add cup of black tea
• Gently bring to the boil and leave to cool for approx 20 mins
• Turn oven to 170c / 180c and line a loaf tin with grease proof paper
• Mix in flour and egg and transfer to baking tin
• Put in centre of oven for approx 60 / 80 mins

SUPER-EASY TEA LOAF

Steps:

• Put the dried fruit and tea in a bowl and leave to soak for a few hours. I usually do this the night before or in the morning before work.
• Pre-heat the oven to 150°C, or 180°C if your are not using a fan assisted oven.
• Add the sugar and flour to the tea and fruit mix, and the ground ginger if you choose to include it. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
• Scoop the mixture into a greased 2lb loaf tin and bake for 45 minutes to an hour.
• If you prick the cake with a cocktail stick and it comes out clean, it is ready. Leave the loaf to cool in the tin for at least 20 minutes. After that, run a knife along the outer edge of the loaf to loosen it and tip it onto a cooling rack.

TEA LOAF

Steps:

• Mix the sultanas, raisins and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. Pour over the tea and cover the bowl. Leave to sit for a minimum of 6 hours or ideally overnight to allow the dried fruit to soak up all the liquid.
• Heat the oven to 180C/160 fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 900g loaf tin. Add the eggs, flour and sugar to the soaked fruit, ensuring everything is well combined. Spoon the mixture into the tin and place in the centre of the oven for 1 hour 30 mins or until firm to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 mins before transferring to a wire rack.
• Cut into thick slices and serve with butter. To store, wrap tightly and keep in an airtight container for up to five days. The loaf will taste even better after a few days.

EASY FRUIT LOAF

Steps:

• Heat gently together in a pot on stove top the water, sugar, dried fruit and butter until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
• Allow to cool for a few minutes then stir in flour and spices and baking soda.
• Pour into a large loaf pan which has been greased and floured or bottom lined with baking paper and bake at 350'F for 45 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and leave to cool in tin for 10 minutes then tip out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
• Serve cut in slices and buttered.