Apricot Raisin Loaf Recipes

APRICOT AND RAISIN BUTTER CAKE

Steps:

• Soak raisins and chopped apricots in brandy for 2 hours (preferably overnight in the fridge) - See TIPS above
• Prepare crumb mixture by mixing all ingredients by hand/food processor until crumbly; set aside
• Sift flour, baking powder and salt together, set aside
• Whip egg whites with 1 TB sugar until they form stiff peaks (but not dry); set aside
• Cream butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy
• Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition
• Next, add the soaked fruits with the brandy and stir gently
• Using LOW speed on your mixer, add the sifted flour mixture, alternating with the yogurt according to this sequence - flour-yogurt-flour-yogurt-flour, until well combined
• Now gently fold the whipped egg whites into the creamed mixture
• Pour half of the batter into greased and floured pan (bundt/square/round), followed by the crumb mixture, then finally all the remaining batter
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 55 mins for Bundt pan, 25-30 mins for square/round pan, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean
• Remove from oven, cool in the pan for 10-15mins, then cool completely on wire racks
• For a very moist cake, sprinkle brandy syrup on warm cake (I poke some holes using toothpick all over the cake before sprinkling)
• To make brandy syrup - combine 2 TB brandy, 2 TB hot water and 2 tsp sugar; stir to dissolve sugar
• The cake is best made 1 day ahead

FIG, APRICOT AND RAISIN BREAD

Steps:

• Combine half of the bread flour with one teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl.
• Combine yeast, sugar and one cup of warm water in another bowl.
• Pour the yeast mix into the flour mix and leave it to foam for about 10 minutes.
• With a spatula or a dough hoo, slowly mix in the remaining flour with 100ml of water.
• Add in the remaining ingredients and leave the mix to rise.
• Once it has risen, knock the dough down and divide the dough into two.
• Knead it into a shape you want and place them into two 1-litre bread tins.
• Leave to rise again till the size doubles.
• Bake the dough in a pre-heated oven of 200 degrees celcius for 15 minutes.

APRICOT RAISIN BREAD (BREAD MACHINE)

Steps:

• Heat cold milk for 30 seconds in the microwave; hold eggs under tap water for a minute to warm.
• Add ingredients according to your manufacturer's directions.
• Set Cycle: Sweet, Size, 2lb.
• After about 5 minutes, check your dough: Add a tablespoon of water if too dry, or a tablespoon of flour if too wet, until dough is smooth.
• Alternatively, set cycle to dough, take dough out and shape as desired.
• I like to divide the dough in half, then divide each half into three, roll into ropes and braid, joining the dough ends together to create a braided circle.
• Leave to rise until doubled, bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

WHOLE WHEAT APRICOT RAISIN BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Chop apricots into 1/2" pieces and soak them in the milk for 4 hours.
• Place the flour, salt, baking powder, soda and nutmeg in a bowl and cut in butter. Add sugar and raisins.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the beaten egg and the milk and apricots. Mix well to make a soft dough.
• Place mixture in a greased 1-pound loaf pan and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean.
• Turn the loaf onto a wire rack to cool.