Manx Loaf

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 170 °C and butter a 22 cm loaf tin, then line the base with baking paper.
2. Beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes with the mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Fold in the sifted flour with the baking powder, spices and salt, alternating with the milk, mixing gently.
5. Add the raisins and candied orange peel, then pour the batter into the tin and smooth the top.
6. Sprinkle with flaked almonds if you like and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a skewer comes out dry.
7. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the tin, then turn out onto a rack and let it cool completely before slicing.