Festive Fruit and Nut Loaf

Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C in a fan oven), 350°F, gas 4.

Beat the butter until creamy. Alternately add the sugar, vanilla extract and the eggs. Then add a pinch of salt and the gingerbread spice.

Mix together the baking powder with the flour and the milk and gradually but quickly stir it in to the first mixture to form a smooth, pliable dough. Stir in the candied fruit (set aside 1 tbsp orange peel), raisins and 150 g nuts.

Pour the mixture into a greased and floured loaf tin and sprinkle with the remaining nuts. Bake for approx. 45 minutes and test with a wooden stick to see if it is done. Remove from the oven, leave to cool slightly, then remove from the tin and place on a wire rack.