Cardamom Tea Bread
Country Woman Christmas
A cross between pound cake and fruitcake, this bread is especially nice for folks who dislike the heaviness of regular fruitcake. My family enjoys thick slices for breakfast on Christmas morning.
SERVINGS: 16
CATEGORY: Breads
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 10 min. Bake: 65 min. + cooling
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mixed candied fruit
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Directions:
Combine candied fruit and 1 tablespoon flour in a small bowl; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar for 1 minute. Add the eggs, milk, orange juice, baking powder, salt, cardamom and remaining flour. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds; beat on high for 3 minutes. Stir in fruit.
Pour into a greased and floured 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 1 loaf.