Gran McAllister's Boiled Cake

Recently, tea friends Holly and Eve reminded me of an old family recipe that is made with day-old strong tea. The fact that Niall and Robert's lovely Gran McAllister is still remembered for her infamous Boiled Cake, is quite touching. Niall absolutely adores this cake, and I must admit that I don't make it near as often as I should. 

By popular demand, I am posting Gran's Boiled Cake recipe here so that a little of her lives on. Enjoy with health! 

Gran McAllister's Boiled Cake

1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup of cold tea
1 to 2 cups dried fruit

Bring all to boil. Simmer for 20 minutes. Take off heat and 
leave to cool. Add 1 egg, well-beaten. 

Then add:

1 teaspoonful mixed spice
1 teaspoonful cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 teaspoonful baking soda

Bake in moderate oven (350 to 375 degrees) for 1 hour.

Notes: It's better if the tea sits overnight. In other words, this is a great recipe to rid up the tea from the day before! Also, I sometimes experiment with adding Drambuie or Cointreau or some other liquor. The fruit we use tends to be raisins/sultanas and currants. However, you can add candied citron or cherries, too. The new dried strawberries and cranberries might make a delicious twist.