Barmbrack, also known as simply 'brack', is an Irish quick bread made with sultanas and raisins.
Barmbrack is the center of Halloween tradition in Ireland. Items such as rings, peas, sticks, cloth, and coins are hidden inside the bread. Depending on the item you get in your slice, it is supposed to predict your future. If a pea was in your slice, that would mean that you are not going to marry in that year. If you got the stick, you are going to have an unhappy marriage or are going to have many disputes. The cloth means you're going to have bad luck or be poor, while the coin means you'll be rich. The ring on the other hand means you're going to get married within the year.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups (8.75oz/248g) raisins
1 3/4 cups (8.75oz/248g) sultanas
1 Zest of lemon, large
1 Zest of orange, large
1 1/3 cups (8oz/227g) dark brown sugar
2 cups (16floz/500ml) black breakfast tea, hot and strong
3 cups (15oz/426g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon mixed spice or pumpkin pie spice
2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 325°F (170°C) then butter and line 1 deep 9 Inch Cake Pan. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the raisins, sultanas, zests, and sugar.
Pour the hot tea over and stir to combine. Cover with cling wrap and allow to stand overnight at room temperature.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and spice.
Stir in the fruit mixture followed by the eggs, alternating between the two. Mix until no dry streaks remain and the batter is well incorporated.
At this point add in your charm wrapped in parchment paper. Pour the batter into prepared pan.
Bake for about 80-90 minutes, or until the cake is golden and springs back when pressed. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve with butter. Store the Barmbrack at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also can be frozen for at least 4 weeks. It is delicious toasted with butter and a cup of tea.
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