Spiced teacakes

Preparation time
over 2 hours

Cooking time
10 to 30 mins

Serves
Makes 6 teacakes



From The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best

Ingredients

  • 375g/13oz strong white bread flour
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes, lightly crushed
  • 7g/¼oz sachet fast-action dried yeast
  • 1 tsp ground mixed spice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • ½ orange, zest only
  • 50g/1¾oz caster sugar
  • 50g/1¾oz butter, cubed
  • 150ml/5fl oz semi-skimmed milk
  • 1 free-range egg, beaten
  • 125g/4½oz mixed dried fruit
  • 2 tsp sunflower oil, for greasing
  • butter, for serving

Method

  1. Mix the flour, salt, yeast, spices, orange zest and sugar in a large bowl.

  2. Put the butter and milk in a small saucepan and heat very gently until the butter is melted and the milk is just lukewarm. Remove from the heat and whisk in the egg.

  3. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the warm butter, milk and egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball.

  4. Turn out on a very lightly floured surface and knead for five minutes to form a smooth, pliable dough. Knead the fruit into the dough until evenly distributed, then place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely with oiled clingfilm and leave to rise in a warm place for 1½ hours, or until doubled in size and spongy to touch.

  5. Knead the dough lightly, divide into six portions and roll into balls. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball to a circle about 1cm/½in thick and place on a large baking tray lined with baking parchment. Cover with oiled clingfilm and leave to rise for a further 45 minutes.

  6. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Remove the clingfilm and bake the teacakes in the centre of the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until well risen and golden-brown. Serve warm or leave to cool on a wire rack, then toast and serve spread thickly with butter. Eat within 24 hours to enjoy them at their best.

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