There are many recipes for Bara Brith (for the uninitiated, a traditional Welsh fruit loaf) – this is the one my mother-in-law gave me some years ago. I’ve converted the measurements from imperial to the closest metric equivalents, not because I think my readers are incapable, just because that’s what you see on the packets. You will need:-

250g sultanas
250g currants
250g brown sugar
the zest of half an orange
500g self-raising flour
1tsp mixed spice
1 egg, beaten, and possibly a little milk
1tbsp chunky marmalade (optional – don’t buy a jar just for this)
1 cup of cold tea, no milk
2 loaf tins

• Put the sultanas, currants, brown sugar and orange zest into a large bowl
• Pour the cup of tea over them and leave to soak overnight
• Next day, gradually mix in the flour, spice, egg and marmalade
• If it’s difficult to get all the flour mixed in add a little milk to loosen the mixture
• Grease the loaf tins and divide the mixture between them
• Bake in the centre of a moderate oven for 1 hour

You could, of course, cut down the quantities rather than making two loaves, but once cooked these take very well to freezing. To serve, spread with plenty of butter or if you’re feeling a bit sorry for yourself put a slice in a bowl and drown it in double cream!