Country: Jamaica Servings: Serves 8

Ingredients

• plain flour – 2 cups / 250 g
• brown sugar – 3/4 cup / 150 g
• raisins – 1/2 cup / 75 g
• dried mixed peel – 1/4 cup / 40 g
• butter – 4 tbsp / 56 g
• egg – 1 large
• warm milk – 1/2 cup / 120 ml
• honey – 2 tbsp / 30 ml
• dark molasses – 2 tbsp / 30 ml
• baking powder – 2 tsp / 8 g
• ground cinnamon – 1 tsp / 2 g
• nutmeg – 1/2 tsp / 1 g
• allspice – 1/2 tsp / 1 g
• salt – 1/2 tsp / 3 g
• vanilla extract – 1 tsp / 5 ml

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and add brown sugar, honey, and molasses. Stir until dissolved, then remove from heat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
4. Add the melted mixture, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
5. Fold in the raisins and dried mixed peel.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Substitutions

• brown sugar -> coconut sugar
• raisins -> currants
• butter -> coconut oil
• milk -> almond milk

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Soak the raisins in rum or orange juice for added flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of grated ginger for a spicy kick.
• Top the loaf with a glaze made from icing sugar and orange juice for an extra layer of taste.