Irish Tea Brack

This photo is from the Southern Heritage Southern Living set, my favorite, from their Celebrations volume. Irish Tea Brack is not pictured in here, this is a photo of a St. Pat's Day menu from Georgia, but the Brack had no photo. Here's why:

1/2 cup dried peaches, chopped

1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped

1/2 cup dried prunes, chopped (See, I can find prunes in recipes for every occasion.)

1 cup hot, strong tea

1 cup sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon orange marmalade

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 3/4 cups self-rising flour

Butter or margarine (optional)

Combine dried fruit and tea in a large bowl; cover and let stand overnight. (oh boy)

Add next 3 ingredients to fruit mixture; stir well. Gradually add flour, mixing well.

Spoon batter into a greased 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into squares. Serve with butter, if desired. Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

I hav a column due in Crimespree soon so I'm madly reading teen mysteries again. What are you reading? Cookbooks or otherwise?