Orange-choc loaf

MAKES 1 loaf – about 8-10 slices Using almond meal as well as flour ensures a moist cake that stores well. Adding chocolate takes it from loaf to super-loaf!

200g butter

1 cup brown sugar, loosely packed

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 eggs

200g spelt flour (or use plain)

¾ cup ground almonds

1½ tsp baking powder

¼ cup freshly squeezed

orange juice Zest of 1 orange

75g dark chocolate, chopped

(or use dark chocolate chips)

1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a loaf tin with a double layer of baking paper. I use a double layer as it helps to prevent the outside becoming dry during the long cooking time.

2 Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer, beating until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, beating between each. 3 Fold in the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, orange juice, zest and chocolate.

4 Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and slightly hollow out the middle section lengthwise so that when it rises, you get a flattish top.

5 Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

6 Rest for 10 minutes in the tin, then turn out on a wire rack to cool before dusting with icing sugar and slicing.