Traditional Reading Seed Cake

Cream butter and sugar until very pale. Add eggs one at a time.

Fold in plain flour and baking powder.

Add a generous amount of caraway seeds, a pinch of nutmeg, and lemon zest.

Stir in a splash of brandy if desired.

Pour into a lined loaf tin and bake at 170°C for 50-60 minutes.

Traditionally served at funeral wakes or harvest festivals in Berkshire.

The caraway seeds provide a distinct, anise-like heritage flavor.