Orange Ginger Tea Loaf Food

DARJEELING CRANBERRY, GINGER AND ORANGE TEA LOAF (FAT-FREE)

Steps:

• NIGHT BEFORE BAKING:.
• Place all of the dried fruit, including the orange zest and ginger, with the sugar into a large mixing bowl, and pour over the hot tea, give it a good stir - cover with a clean tea towel and leave to steep overnight.
• BAKING THE TEA LOAF:.
• Pre-heat oven to 160C/325F/Gas Mark 3 and grease and line a 2 lb (1 kg) loaf tin.
• Add the beaten egg to the fruit mixture and mix well, then add the ground ginger.
• Gradually add the flour and stir the mixture well, ensuring there are no lumps of flour remaining.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 1 and 1/2 to 1 and 3/4 hours, or until the loaf is firm and a skewer comes out clean when testing.
• If the loaf appears to be browning too quickly, place on the bottom shelf and cover with a sheet of baking paper.
• Allow the loaf to cool slightly, and gently remove to a wire cooling rack.
• Store in an airtight tin for up to 1 week, or freeze slices of the tea loaf with greaseproof paper in between each slice.
• This is wonderful when buttered or toasted!
• NB: You must use HOT tea!

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.

ORANGE LOAF

Steps:

• Stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and nuts.
• In a large bowl, beat together butter or margarine and 1 cup sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in rind and 1/2 cup juice. Pour in flour mixture, and stir until moistened. Turn into a greased 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until done. Remove loaf from oven, but not from pan.
• Combine 1/2 cup orange juice with 1/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Heat and stir to dissolve sugar. Spoon glaze over hot loaf. Let stand in pan for 10 minutes before removing loaf to rack to cool.