Aunt Margaret’s “Turnberry” Fruit Loaf π
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Aunt Margaret’s “Turnberry” Fruit Loaf, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. This delectable Scottish treat embodies the essence of European baking traditions, perfect for cozy weeknight gatherings or leisurely weekend brunches. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a warm, oven-fresh loaf ready to share in no time!
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 Fruit Loaf
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups sultanas
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 egg
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- In a saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat.
- Add the white sugar, milk, and sultanas to the saucepan.
- Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, baking soda, and mixed spice. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
-
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Once the fruit mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Gently mix everything together until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. Take in the sweet aroma as you blend the flavors together.
-
Cool the Mixture:
- Allow the mixture to cool for approximately 10 minutes. This step ensures that the batter reaches the ideal consistency for baking.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- While the mixture is cooling, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (180Β°C). Prepare a loaf tin by lining it with aluminum foil for easy removal and cleanup.
-
Bake the Fruit Loaf:
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Place the tin in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the top of the loaf is golden brown and crispy. Embrace the anticipation as the irresistible aroma fills your kitchen.
-
Rest and Serve:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the fruit loaf from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the tin for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and ensures easy slicing.
- Carefully transfer the loaf onto a baking tray or wire rack to cool further. Slice it warm and savor each delightful bite, pairing it with a steaming mug of tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 811.9
- Total Fat: 21.5g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9g
- Cholesterol: 61.4mg
- Sodium: 1206.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 148.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 86.8g
- Protein: 12g
Tips and Variations:
- For added richness, you can substitute butter for margarine.
- Feel free to customize the dried fruits in the loaf according to your preferences. Raisins, currants, or chopped apricots would be delightful additions.
- Experiment with different spices to tailor the flavor profile to your liking. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves would complement the fruit beautifully.
- Serve the fruit loaf with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
- To enhance the texture, you can sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, into the batter before baking.
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Aunt Margaret’s “Turnberry” Fruit Loaf, a timeless treasure that brings joy to every bite. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed as a solo treat, this irresistible loaf is sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.