Earl Grey Tea Loaf recipe

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons brewed Earl Grey tea
1 cup raisins (or other dried fruit of your choice)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (if desired)
1/2 cup butter
6 tablespoons confectioners sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or line with parchment paper a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

Pour 2 cups hot tea over the raisins in a bowl. Set aside.

Into medium bowl, sift all the dry ingredients and cut in the butter until well blended. Add tea and raisins and stir until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 60-75 minutes or until loaf tests done. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan.

Stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons tea with the confectioners sugar, then brush over the top of the loaf with a pastry brush. Let cool.