1. Place the dried fruits into a bowl and pour over the Earl Grey tea. Mix well and leave to soak for 10 minutes.
2. Sift the flour into a large bowl.
3. Place the milk, sugar, butter and eggs into a separate bowl and whisk well to combine. Add the spices and vanilla extract, then add the yeast and whisk once more then pour onto the flour. Mix well to form a soft dough.
4. Strain the fruits, discarding the tea then add to the dough and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place into a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to rise until doubled in size – about 1-2 hours.
6. Remove from the bowl and knead lightly to knock out the air. Place into a large loaf tin and leave to rise for another hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5.
8. Place the tin into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes until golden and risen.
9. Allow to cool before slicing.
10. Serve with butter and cheese.
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