Pour 240 ml hot water into a medium bowl and add 2 teabags Earl Grey tea . Remove the teabags after 5 minutes and pour in 200 g sultanas ensuring they are submerged in the tea. Cover and leave on the counter overnight or for a couple of hours. Drain without squeezing before using.
Meanwhile in a small saucepan heat 120 ml milk and 3 cardamoms pods. Bring to a boil then turn off the heat. Allow to cool, strain away the pods and set aside.
Heat oven to 180°C/350°F. Sift 375 g self-raising flour into a large mixing bowl and add ¼ teaspoon salt.
Separately, in a medium bowl, cream together 120 g butter and 200 g granulated sugar.
To this add 2 eggs, the cardamom milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and combine well.
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges so you can remove the loaf easily.
Pour the mixture in and bake for 45 mins, or till a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin.
Notes
Soak the sultanas in tea overnight, but if you are in a rush, a few hours of soaking will suffice. I use Earl Grey teabags, but you could use any tea of your choice.For the cardamom flavour, heat the milk with the cardamom pods then strain to remove the pods and set aside. Make sure the milk cools down to room temperature before mixing with the other ingredients.Storing - store in an airtight container and keep in a cool dry place. For easy snacks cut into slices, wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.