Tea Fruitcake Recipe Courtesy Of Lynn Kearney

Steps:

• In a medium sized bowl mix together the raisins, currants, cherries, apricots, walnuts, lemon zest and brandy. Cover and allow to macerate, covered in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours and up to 7 days, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess liquid before making batter. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 9 by 5-inch loaf pans. In an electric mixer cream the butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well. Sift together the dry ingredients and toss 1/2-cup of this mixture with the fruits. Add the remainder of the dry ingredients in 2 batches to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and brandy. Beat until incorporated. Fold in the floured fruits and spoon batter equally into the prepared pans. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour and a half or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Steps:

• In a medium bowl mix together the fruit, walnuts, lemon zest and brandy. Cover and allow to macerate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours or up to 7 days, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess liquid before making batter.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour 2 9"x5" loaf pans.
• In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat well.
• Sift together the dry ingredients and toss 1/2 c of this mixture with the fruit. This will help to "suspend" the fruit evenly throughout the loaf.
• Add the remainder of the dry mix in two batches to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and brandy.
• Beat until incorporated. Fold in the floured fruit and nuts.
• Spoon batter evenly between the 2 loaf pans.
• Bake 1 hour and 15 min up to 1 hr and 30 minute or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool 5 min in pan then turn out gently and cool on a rack.
• Can be wrapped and frozen whole or in slices.

Steps:

• Soak the dried fruit for 2 hours in a mug of boiling hot tea, using 2 tea bags to give a strong taste.
• After the fruit has soaked - preheat the oven to 160C/gas 3.
• Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, then place into a lightly greased round cake tin and bake for 2 hours.
• Place on a wire rack to cool, before tucking in!!!!!!