For 14 portions you need

For the bread dough

1/2 oz. fresh yeast or 2 level teaspoons dried yeast 1 teaspoon sugar approx. 1/2 pint tepid water 1 lb plain flour 1/2-1 level teaspoon salt

Filling

4 oz. lard 4 oz. sugar 4 oz. currants, little spice

Glaze

2 tablespoons sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons water

  • Cream yeast with sugar, add the tepid water, a little flour-blend dried yeast with sugar, little liquid, stand until softened, cream, add rest of liquid etc.
  • Put in warm place until covered with bubbles, add to sieved flour and salt.
  • Knead thoroughly, cover with tea-towel or polythene, allow to 'prove', i.e. rise until double original size.
  • Knead again until smooth, roll out on a floured board to a neat oblong.
  • Put half lard in small pieces over two thirds of dough - as flaky pastry.
  • Sprinkle with half sugar, fruit and spice, then fold in three,, bringing the uncovered piece of dough over first.
  • Give half turn, repeat 5 and 6.
  • Turn again, roll to neat oblong, fold, turn and re-roll.
  • Fold once more then roll out to fit warmed tin, score the top.
  • Cover, allow to 'prove' until well risen, bake in centre of oven until golden brown, then remove from tin -test - knock base, cake should sound hollow. Glaze at once.

Oven temperature : 400-425°F.-Gas Mark 6 Reduce after 20 mins. If necessary