Manx Bunloaf (Isle of Man)

Submitted by Nelly

"Made without eggs, this is a 200year-old recipe for a delicious rich, moist fruit loaf. The area and the Cumbrian coast was at that time a haunt of smugglers who brought in spices and exotics as well as rum, brandy and tobacco, and cooks made the most of it."

 

• Ready In: 2hrs 40mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 1-2 loaves

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 lb large raisins
• 1⁄2 lb currants
• 1⁄2 lb sultana
• 1⁄2 lb chopped dried mixed citrus peel
• 1⁄2 lb sugar
• 10 ounces butter
• 1⁄2 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon (but I would use more)
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup
• 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
• 1 pint buttermilk

directions

1. Sieve the dry ingredients and rub in fat.
2. Add sugar, mixed peel and fruit.
3. Put bicarb.
4. soda in a basin and mix smoothly with the milk.
5. Pour into the dry ingredients.
6. Finally, add the syrup and mix thoroughly.
7. Put into 2 greased 2lb loaf tins or a 4lb loaf tin.
8. Bake in a moderate oven (170 F degrees, Gas mark 3 1/2).