Ib's Tea Loaf

I thought I'd share a recipe for one of my family's favourite baking treats. Ib's Tea Loaf is named after my Granny's sister, Isobel aka Auntie Ib, who passed away nearly six years ago. I have been trying to make a tea loaf as tasty as hers ever since but she still retains the title of "Best Tea Loaf Maker".

Preparation:

1 cup of cold tea

1 cup of raisins

1 cup of currents

Leave to soak together in a bowl overnight.

Recipe:

1) Melt 4oz of butter in a saucepan.

2) Add the tea, raisins and currents to the pan. 

3) Add 1 cup of caster sugar and leave to boil for 5 minutes.

4) Preheat over to 175C/ 325F/ Gas 3 and leave mixture to cool.

5) Beat in 2 cups of self raising flour, 2 eggs and 1tsp of baking powder.

6) Grease a loaf tin and pour in the mixture.

7) Cook for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until a skewer comes out clean.

8) Serve with butter and a cup of tea... Or if you're in my family peanut butter and syrup (do not judge until you have tried!)

Christmas Stocking

Just a little post about gifts, brownies and denim Christmas shirts!

My sister and I were in charge of Christmas dinner this year. The preparation began on Christmas eve. We made mushroom soup and Nigella's brownies while crying over It's a Wonderful Life! I finally got to crack out my Christmas shirt. A bargain find in Barnardos! My mum and sister customised their own charity shop cardies in homage this year. Pictured is my haul of Christmas goodies... Liz Earle skin care set. Givenchy Hot Couture perfume. Massive Velcro rollers. H&M hoodie. A vintage soda syphon. Plus pjs, underwear, books and a stocking full of loveliness... A fabulous perk of being back home!