Shetland Huffsie is a regional recipe from the Isle of Whalsay, which is one of the Shetland islands, and is richly Fruited Tea Loaf.
The Perfect Bake for a Shetland Sunday Tea
A regional recipe from the Isle of Whalsay, which is one of the Shetland islands, Shetland Huffsie (Fruited Tea Loaf), is the perfect bake for any Sunday Tea Tray or afternoon tea.
I discovered this wonderful recipe for Shetland Huffsie (Fruited Tea Loaf) when I was in Shetland recently, as part of a Viking Into the Midnight Sun cruise up to Northern Norway.
Also known as a Doofie, Burra Brönnie, or simply a Brunny, in different Shetland dialect, the Huffsie is a boiled fruit loaf with mixed fruit, spices and black treacle.
I roamed around the main island of Shetland free-range, as well as taking two excursions to see the rest of the island, and for a walk around Lerwick.
My trip to these magical islands in the northern most part of the UK, has long been on my travel wish list.
And, my visit did not disappoint. From the early morning sail into Lerwick, passing the many islands that make up this archipelago, all shrouded in mist, to visiting a herd of Shetland ponies, it was just as I had imagined, and more.
Another highlight of my trip was visiting DI Perez’s house, The Lodberrie, which is featured in the TV series, Shetland.
But, back to my recipe for today. As one of the days I was there was a Sunday, I was also introduced to the famous Shetland Sunday Teas.
Shetland Sunday Teas are a bit of an institution on these isles, and they’re so popular that they are adverised in The Shetland Times every week.
Held in village, town and church halls every summer, and always on a Sunday – cakes, bakes, savouries and soup are baked, made and donated by the local community.
A small fee is levied to enter, I think it was £3 at the one I attended, and you treated to a vast array of delicious home-baked and home-made food, along with a cuppa.
All the money raised goes towards local charities, such as children’s Christmas parties, Pensioner’s parties and bus trips etc.
It was as the Sunday Tea I went to, that I discovered today’s recipe for Shetland Huffsie, which was served in thick slices, and buttered.
Today’s recipe is by a famous Shetland cook and baker, Marian Armitage, and was published in a little booklet I bought called “A Taste of Shetland”.
I hope you enjoy today’s recipe – I’ve made it several times since coming back from Shetland, and it’s hugely popular at Chez Lavender & Lovage.
More Tea Loaf Recipes
Shetland Gallery
DI Perez’s House from Shetland – The Lodberrie
Shetland Wool & Jumpers
Recipe for Shetland Huffsie (Fruited Tea Loaf)
Shetland Huffsie (Fruited Tea Loaf)
Yield:
10
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
A regional recipe from the Isle of Whalsay, which is one of the Shetland islands, is the Shetland Huffsie (Fruited Tea Loaf), and the perfect bake for any Sunday Tea Tray or afternoon tea.
I discovered this wonderful recipe for Shetland Huffsie (Fruited Tea Loaf) when I was in Shetland recently, as part of a Viking Into the Midnight Sun cruise up to Northern Norway.
Today’s recipe is by a famous Shetland cook and baker, Marian Armitage, and was published in a little booklet I bought called “A Taste of Shetland”.
I hope you enjoy today’s recipe – I’ve made it several times since coming back from Shetland, and it’s hugely popular at Chez Lavender & Lovage.
Ingredients
- 200g Self raising flour
- 1 level 5ml tsp baking powder
- 2 level 5ml tsps mixed spice
- 2 Eggs
- 100g soft brown sugar
- 100g butter
- 200g mixed dried fruit soaked in 100ml cold tea
- 1 tablespoon black treacle
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 150°c. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.
2. Weigh the flour, spice and baking powder and set aside. Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl.
3. Put the sugar, butter, treacle and fruit into a large saucepan and bring to the boil slowly. Boil for 2-3 minutes, watching all the time. Remove from the heat and cool a little. Add the eggs and beat well; lastly add in the flour mixture.
4. Transfer immediately to the prepared loaf tin and cook for 45 minutes, until well risen and golden brown. You can test its readiness by inserting a skewer – if it comes out clean, it’s baked. Cool in the tin. Serve sliced and thicky buttered.
Notes
A huffsie is a traditional Shetland fruit cake originating from the island of Whalsay. Flavoured with spices and treacle, the fruit is soaked and the ingredients are boiled prior to baking.
Also known as Hufsie, Brunny, Burra Brönnie, Doofie or a Shetland Tea Loaf
Nutrition Information
Yield 10
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 59mgSodium 374mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 2gSugar 20gProtein 4g
