Blackberry and Elderflower Tea Loaf Containing Fresh Cranberries

When I was looking through my fridge yesterday I noticed that I still had quite a few cranberries that I did not use over Christmas.

 

I love the sweet bitter flavours that cranberries add, however my hubby doesn't.

 

So this gave me that chance to bake something for me!

 

After Christmas I am trying to eat healthier but I also need food which is going to keep me going. The children keep my very busy along with housework so I need something which is going to keep me going.

 

I regularly make hubby his Settling Ginger Tea Loaf and I do enjoy it so I have adapted that recipe a little to create one for me!

 

This is what I got...

 

Blackberry and Elderflower Tea Loaf

 

Ingredients

 

180mls Blackberry and Elderflower tea (I used Taylors of Harrogate tea bags http://www.taylorsofharrogate.co.uk/teaitem.asp?itmid=1716

150g dried mixed fruit with candied peel

100g fresh cranberries

225g self raising flour

25g wholemeal self raising flour

25g soft brown sugar

2tspn mixed spice

1 egg at room temperature

 

Method

 

1 - Soak the dried fruit in the blackberry and elderflower tea and leave preferably over night or at least a couple of hours

Pre heat the oven to 180C

2 - Once the dried fruit has plumped up place it in a large mixing bowl and add the cranberries, sugar, and mixed spices
 

3 - Beat the egg and add to the fruit mix and combine together

4 - Sift in the flour and mix together

5 - Line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper that has been brushed with a little melted butter to prevent sticking and add the mixture

6 - Place in the oven for 45 - 60 minutes. Check after 30 minutes as I found out on my first attempt that this bake will get brown quite quickly and if you do not keep a close eye on it it'll burn. When you check on it if it is a good brown colour cover it over with foil and continue to cook until a knife comes out clean when placed through the middle

7 - Once cooked remove from the tin and leave to cool on a cooking rack

This loaf has the sweetness from this lovely refreshing tea along with the bitterness from the cranberries and is incredibly moist!
Lovely with a little butter and a cup of coffee mid morning!
Enjoy x