Craisin and Apricot Loaf

1 cup water
1/2 cup craisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
30g butter
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon each mixed spice, ginger and cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Place the dried fruit, sugar and water in a pot and bring to the boil. Simmer for five minutes then stir in the baking soda and butter and set aside to cool.

Sift the dried ingredients into a bowl then add the cooled fruit mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Pour into a loaf tin lined with baking paper and bake in a pre-heated 180C oven for 45 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer. Turn out and cool on a rack. Slice and butter to serve.