Manuka honey and mace combine to make this easy-mix loaf a great one for the tins. I like it best spread with slightly sweetened cream cheese and served with apricot jam.

Ingredients

• 150 grams butter, melted and cooled
• ¾ cup manuka honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3)
• grated rind 1 or 2 oranges
• ¼ cup hot water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ cup oats or wheatgerm
• 1 cup wholemeal flour
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp ground mace

Method

1. In a large jug stir together the butter, honey, eggs, orange rind and bananas. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and stir into the banana mixture.
2. Sift the flour and mace into a large bowl and then stir in the oats or wheatgerm and wholemeal flour and make a well in the centre.
3. Pour in the banana mixture and stir gently to mix. Do not over beat.
4. Pour into a greased and base-lined 11cm x 22cm loaf tin.
5. Bake at 180ºC for 40-45 minutes until a cake skewer inserted comes out clean.
6. Stand in the tin for 3-5 minute before turning out on a cake rack to cool. Serve sliced warm or cold.