Simnel Loaf

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Make the marzipan first, so you can add the rolled balls into the middle of the loaf. I;m not a fan of marzipan so I flavoured it with maple syrup instead of almond.




 170g butter
170g light muscovado sugar
1 Tblsp grated orange zest
½ teaspoon each of mixed spice and ginger
Beat these together until light and fluffy
3 eggs
Add eggs, one at a time
170g flour
85g ground almonds
2 tsp baking powder
120g raisins
120g sultanas
120g dried apricots - chopped
50g mixed peel
75g glazed cherries
Combine the flour and fruits together and ensure all are well coated
Add to the butter mix
Add brandy
Mix well
2 Tblsp brandy
120g marzipan (see receipe)

Double line a loaf tin
Pre-heat oven to 150°C

Spoon half of the mixture into the loaf tin. Place two rows of five marzipan balls into the tin. Top with the remaining mixture.
Bake for 1¼ hours or until skewer comes out clean.

Leave in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.


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