Marbled Chocolate Tea Bread

The Victorians were very fond of marbled cakes. The recipe is so called because the feathery swirls of chocolate that are revealed when it is sliced make a pattern similar to that of Italian marble.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 5
• Yields: 10 slices

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb unsalted butter
• 1⁄2 lb caster sugar or 1⁄2 lb  superfine sugar
• 4  eggs, beaten
• 1⁄2 lb self raising flour
• 1  large orange, zest only
• 1 -2  drop  orange extract (optional)
• 3  ounces chocolate
• 1  tablespoon cocoa powder

Directions

1. Grease an 8” by 4” loaf tin and line the base and sides with greaseproof paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, then gradually add the eggs, beating well after each addition.
3. Fold in the flour.
4. Transfer half the mixture to another bowl and beat in the orange zest, juice and orange extract, if using.
5. Break the chocolate into pieces, put into a small bowl and place over a pan of simmering water; stir until the chocolate melts.
6. Stir into the remaining cake mixture with the cocoa powder.
7. Put alternate spoonfuls of the two mixtures into the prepared tin, and use a knife to swirl through the mixture to make a marbled effect, then level the surface.
8. Bake at 350°F for about 1¼- 1½ hours, until well risen and firm to the touch.
9. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
10. Serve cut into slices.