Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves 8-10
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Raising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Vegetarian

500g (1lb 2oz) strong white flour
100g ((4 oz) caster sugar
180g (6 oz) soft butter
2 eggs
200g (7 oz) mixed dried fruit (raisins, apricots chopped, oranges)
200ml (7fl oz) warm whole milk
2 tsp dried yeast
2 tbsp flaked almonds
Milk for brushing
1 pinch of salt

1. Beat the eggs in a large bowl until soft and creamy. Add sugar and salt. Mix well then add flour, yeast and warm milk. Mix well together to a soft and sticky dough. Cover with cling film and leave in a warm place until the dough is doubled in size.
2. Fold a loaf tin with baking paper.
3. Add the soft butter to the dough as well as the mixed dried fruit. Knead vigorously for a few minutes.
4. Place the dough in the loaf tin, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to raise more.
5. Gently brush the surface with milk, scatter over the almonds and bake a 200C/400F/Gas6 for 35-40 minutes.