Bara brith

Bara Brith

Bara Brith is a traditional Welsh fruitcake that is popular in Wales. It is a delicious and flavorful cake that is often enjoyed with a cup of tea. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and preparation of Bara Brith.

History

The history of Bara Brith dates back to the 19th century in Wales. The name "Bara Brith" translates to "speckled bread" in English, referring to the dried fruits that are scattered throughout the cake. It is believed that Bara Brith originated as a way to use up leftover bread dough and dried fruits.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in Bara Brith include:

• 500g of mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and candied peel)
• 300ml of strong black tea
• 225g of self-raising flour
• 100g of brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of mixed spice
• Butter, for greasing

Preparation

To prepare Bara Brith, follow these steps:

1. Place the mixed dried fruits in a bowl and pour the hot black tea over them. Allow the fruits to soak in the tea overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf tin with butter.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the self-raising flour, brown sugar, egg, and mixed spice.
4. Add the soaked dried fruits (including any remaining tea) to the flour mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the greased loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the Bara Brith from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving

Bara Brith is typically served sliced and spread with butter. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of tea. Some people also like to serve it with a dollop of clotted cream or a slice of cheese.

See Also

• Welsh cuisine
• Tea culture in Wales