Aran Spiosrai (Irish Spice Bread)

This bread will stay moist for several days, and actually improves somewhat during this period.

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice*
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 ounces light brown sugar
  • 2 ounces candied citron, chopped
  • 6 ounces plain or golden raisins
  • 4 ounces butter
  • 6 ounces Golden Syrup**
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 4 tablespoons milk

* Equal parts of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.

** Lyons' Golden Syrup, carried in some fancy groceries. If you can't find it, use Karo light corn syrup.

Instructions

  1. Sift the flour with the soda and baking powder, and the mixed spice and ginger: then add the brown sugar, chopped peel and raisins: mix. Make a well in the center.
  2. 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.
  3. Pour into a greased 2-pound loaf pan, and bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 40-50 minutes, or until it tests done.

Yield: 6 servings