Tea loaf

• sultanas↗170g g
• raisins↗170g g
• orange↗1

  zested

• Earl Grey or Lady Grey tea↗300ml hot strong ml

  hot strong

• medium eggs↗2

  lightly beaten

• self-raising flour↗250g g
• light soft brown sugar↗200g g
• butter↗

  for greasing, plus extra to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   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.