Spice Bread (Irish Aran Spiosrai)

A simple bread, similar to a traditional Irish Soda Bread, Aran Spiosrai is delicious with sweet, creamy butter and thick fruit jam, accompanied by a cup of Irish Breakfast tea. Exceptional.

10 oz all-purpose flour, unbleached
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. Mixed Spice
½ tsp. ginger, ground
4 oz sugar, brown, light
2 oz citron, candied, chopped
6 oz raisins, plain or golden
4 oz butter
6 oz golden syrup
1 large egg, beaten
4 Tbsp. milk

Preheat an oven to 325°F (165°C/140°C fan, Gas Mark 3). Grease a 2 lb loaf pan.

Sift the flour with the soda and baking powder, and the mixed spice and ginger. Add the brown sugar, chopped peel and raisins and mix. Make a well in the center.

Melt the butter with the syrup over low heat, then pour into the well in the mixture. Add the beaten egg and milk and mix very well.

Pour into a prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until it tests done.