1800-1860 - Irish-American immigrant communities in the United States.

Tea Brack

Name: Tea Brack
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 cups brewed strong black tea, cooled; 1 large egg; 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 2 tablespoons melted butter; Additional butter for brushing

Tea Brack is a lightly spiced sweet bread soaked in tea and studded with dried fruits. This traditional Irish-influenced drinkable bread found a place in Irish-American kitchens during the early 19th century, especially around holidays. It combines the flavors of black tea, dried fruits, and warming spices, reflecting the blending of Irish heritage with American ingredients.

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Difficulty

Medium

Prep time

1 hour

Cook time

1 hour

Total time

2 hours

Servings

8 servings

Region

Irish American immigrant tea-table and Halloween kitchens

Era introduced

1800-1860

Introduced by

Irish-American immigrant communities in the United States.

Recipe tools

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The Story

Tea Brack is a traditional Irish fruit bread soaked in strong brewed tea and flavored with warming spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Originating in Ireland, this recipe was carried to America by Irish immigrants in the early 1800s, becoming part of Irish-American cuisine. The bread is often served sliced and buttered with a cup of tea, especially during festive occasions. Tea Brack reflects the cultural melding during the period of Expansion and Immigration, tying Irish heritage and American ingredients in a comforting treat.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups brewed strong black tea, cooled
1 large egg
1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Additional butter for brushing

Equipment

Loaf pan
Oven
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
In a separate bowl, mix brewed tea with the egg and melted butter.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in dried fruit and walnuts if using.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for about 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove from oven and brush the top with additional butter while still warm.

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Setting the table...

Tea Brack

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The Story

Ingredients

Equipment

Directions

Community Recipes

Community Reviews

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