Mixed spice fruit bread

Instructions

1 Place flour in a bowl with yeast, salt, mixed spice, sugar and half of the dried fruit. Make a well in the centre. Use a spoon to add enough water to make a soft dough.

2 Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes to form a smooth ball. Use extra flour if necessary.

3 Lightly grease a mixing bowl. Add dough and cover with lightly greased plastic wrap. Leave in a warm place for 30 minutes to rise (‘proving’ time).

4 Dough is proved when a finger pressed into it springs back. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes.

5 Preheat oven to 180°C. Divide into 2 even balls and roll out each to a 32cm long sausage. Place on baking tray and ‘plait’ the sausage shapes from one end, using egg to seal the ends together. Brush with remaining egg. Cover with greased plastic wrap and leave for 10 minutes.

6 Sprinkle with remaining fruit. Bake for 25 minutes until well risen and golden brown. Cool. Mix icing sugar with a little water and drizzle over bread. Serve sliced.