Gracie's Barmbrack

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/2 cup mixed candied fruit

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and almond extract. Gradually blend in dry ingredients.
4. Fold in currants and candied fruit. Pour batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Barmbrack is traditionally served in Ireland on Halloween.
• The candied fruit and currants in the cake are believed to bring good luck.
• Barmbrack is a type of yeasted bread, similar to a fruitcake.