Indulge in the rich cultural heritage of the Channel Islands with Guernsey Gâche, a delectable traditional delicacy that encapsulates the essence of Guernsey's culinary history. This sumptuous fruit loaf, boasting a dense yet moist texture, is infused with a medley of dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, and currants, delicately spiced with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Served sliced and generously buttered, each bite offers a tantalizing blend of sweetness and warmth, transporting you to the charming lanes of Guernsey. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, Guernsey Gâche is a timeless delight that captures the heart and soul of the island's culinary tradition.

Here's a traditional recipe for Guernsey Gâche:

Ingredients:

• 500g strong white bread flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 7g fast-action dried yeast
• 75g caster sugar
• 75g butter, diced
• 300ml warm milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 150g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
• Additional butter for greasing

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, yeast, and caster sugar.

2- Rub the diced butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3- Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the warm milk and beaten egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.

4- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5- Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and leave to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6- Once the dough has risen, knead in the mixed dried fruit until evenly distributed.

7- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin with butter.

8- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into the prepared tin. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and leave to rise for another 30 minutes.

9- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

10- Remove the loaf from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Guernsey Gâche with a generous spread of butter for a delightful taste of tradition!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Guernsey Gâche recipe, based on typical nutritional data:

Strong white bread flour (500g):

• Calories: 1700 kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 350g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 15g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and dietary fiber for digestion.

Salt (1 tsp):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:Adds flavor and helps to regulate the osmotic balance in the dough.

Ground cinnamon (1 tsp):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:Provides antioxidants and may have anti-bacterial properties.

Fast-action dried yeast (7g):

• Calories: 23 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0.4g

benefits:Acts as a leavening agent, helping the dough rise.

Caster sugar (75g):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 75g

benefits:Adds sweetness and provides carbohydrates for energy.

Butter (75g):

• Calories: 525 kcal
• Fat: 60g

benefits:Adds richness and flavor, and provides fat-soluble vitamins.

Warm milk (300ml):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g

benefits:Adds moisture and richness, and provides protein and calcium.

Egg (1):

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g

benefits:Acts as a binder and provides protein and essential nutrients.

Mixed dried fruit (150g):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 110g
• Fiber: 10g

benefits:Adds sweetness, flavor, and texture, and provides vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods.