31 Jan White Chia Fruit Loaf

A healthy cake loaf to make  for playgroup, lunch boxes or morning teas.

This is one of my favourite recipes, and was introduced to me at our local playgroup. It’s a scrumptious, nutritional loaf that’s great for lunch boxes and entertaining. Chia is an ancient South American seed high in calcium, protein, omega 3 and fibre, and gluten-free. You can add it to many dishes to easily boost your family’s nutrition. White and black chia seeds are available in larger supermarkets, specialist stores and pharmacies.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Serves: 5-10

Ingredients
2 heaped tablespoons white chia seeds
½ cup dried apricots, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup sultanas
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup boiling water
2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
1 egg

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease and line a 13cm x 24cm loaf tin.

Place seeds in a bowl with 360ml cold water. Whisk to combine. Set aside for 15 minutes.

Place apricots, cranberries, sultanas, sugar, butter and boiling water in a large bowl. Stir to combine.

Using a spoon, remove seeds from water and add to dried-fruit mixture. Stir in flour and egg.

Bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Slice and serve.

Words by Jane Wilkinson