Irish Barmbrack Bread, A Samhain Tradition

Barmbrack is a traditional Irish bread or fruit cake
which is served on Samhain or All Hallows Eve.
The cake is baked with small trinkets hidden inside.
The Fun of this tradition is in the finding of one.

 Each trinket would foretell the future of the one who found it.
 The coins, represent wealth, ring marriage, The thimble - well
spinsterhood! 
A fun & tasty holiday tradition!

Barmbrack

2 1/2 Cups Dried fruit - sultanas, apricots, raisins, etc..
1 - 2 Cups Tea
2 1/2 Cups of All Purpose Flour
1 Egg
1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1/4 cup Orange Marmalade
Soak the dried fruit overnight in the tea. Plain tea is fine, but
Orange Pekoe  or Lemon Zinger adds nice flavor.
Drain the liquid from the fruit.
Preheat oven - 350 degrees.
Sift together  flour, baking soda & spices.
Beat the egg, sugar & marmalade, Fold in fruit.
*If you have trinkets, wrap them in parchment or wax paper
& fold in.
Slowly fold in flour until just blended.
Pour into greased Bundt Pan.
Bake for approx 1 hour.  Done when top springs back
when gently pressed. Cool completely before removing
from pan.
* A Bundt pan allows for even heat distribution, which is
necessary for a heavier cake/bread
** This is not a traditional recipe in that there is no yeast