Method

• 1.
  Place the dried fruit in a bowl, pour over the hot tea, cover with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature overnight.
• 2.
  Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 10 x 25cm loaf pan.

• 3.
  Strain the fruit, reserving the liquid, then combine with remaining ingredients. Gradually add the reserved liquid, stirring until a soft dropping consistency is reached. Pour into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
• 4.
  Meanwhile, make a sugar syrup: place 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a pan over low heat and stir to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Brush the fruit loaf with syrup while still warm.
• 5.
  Set aside on a wire rack to cool, then slice and serve with butter.