B&B Ireland's Recipe of the Week: Traditional Halloween Barmbrack

With final preparations being made for the Halloween festivities, here at B&B Ireland we have chosen our recipe of the week to be none other than the traditional Halloween Barmbrack. Barmbrack is more commonly associated with the Halloween season in Ireland and traditionally contains various objects baked into the bread. More commonly placed in the Brack is a ring for the bride-to-be. This tradition as well as the Barmbrack recipe, has been passed down from generation to generation in many Irish homes so why not treat the whole family this Halloween and try B&B Ireland’s Barmbrack recipe and see who ends up with the hidden ring.

Ingredients

375 g packet of mixed dried fruit
225 g plain flour
250 ml cold tea
1/2 tsp mixed spice
butter, for greasing
1 large egg
2 tsp baking powder
125 g soft light brown sugar
50 ml  whiskey    

A ring to place in the Brack

Instructions

1. Place the mixed dried fruit in a bowl and pour over the whiskey and cold tea. Allow to soak up the liquid overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F/Gas 3). Grease and line a 900g  loaf tin.

3. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and mixed spice in a mixing bowl. Make a well and break in the egg, then use a wooden spoon to mix it with the dry ingredients. Add a little bit of the liquid from the mixed fruit and mix it through.

4. Stir in the mixed fruit until everything is thoroughly combined. Add the ring and stir through. Spoon the wet dough into the loaf tin, place on the middle shelf in the oven and bake for 1 hour.

5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from the loaf tin and placing on wire rack. Cover in cling film and foil and allow to sit for 1–2 days before cutting into it. Serve in slices to the family with a little butter.

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 by Mel Heron | with 0 comments

Tags: Barnbrack, Irish, Recipe