Fruited Cardamon and Chocolate Buttermilk Loaf

A deliciously moist piece of cake - literally! So easy and the flavours are unusual and amazing. I love the smell after crushing the pods, then wonder why I do not use the flavour more often.

You will need a medium/ 1lb loaf tin, well buttered, with a wide strip of parchment through the long sides, hanging over to help you lift it out. Pre heat your fan oven to 160C.

4 oz softened butter

4 oz golden caster sugar

2 large eggs

7 oz SR flour

crush to a powder 5-6 cardamon pods in a pestle and mortar, removing all the bits [use a small sieve]

2-3 fl oz buttermilk

2-3oz good quality dark chocolate - chopped

3 oz sultanas

In a large mixing bowl, cream the fat and sugar, which in the eggs, one at a time, then lightly beat in the flour and spices, alternately with the buttermilk. Finally add the chopped chocolate and fruit.

Tip into your prepared tin and bake for about 1 hour, turning down to 150C for the last ten mins if it is starting to brown too much, or cover with some parchment.

Allow to cool in the tin for a short while then turn onto a rack. A drizzle of melted chocolate when cold is great or just leave plain, as I have done, to enjoy these fabulous flavours.

Enjoy!