Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Mercury, planet of the mind, rules over Virgo and this makes Virgos aware of the mind-body relationship and sensitive to health and diet. Mentally agile, these busy workers are perfectionists who analyse the world around them, creating systems and tidying-up wherever they go. Thrifty and efficient, with an eye for detail, they serve others and offer practical help with a tongue-in-cheek humility. Never disturb Virgo routines, or criticise them harshly – it will make them fret, and it takes so little to make a Virgo worry!

The Tidy Minds of the zodiac have a delicate digestive system and have learned to be fastidious eaters. That’s why Country Nut Loaf is packed with a selection of healthy nuts. They’ll be really touched that, for once, someone else has done something for them!

COUNTRY NUT LOAF

Ingredients

175 (6oz) margarine
175 (6oz) castor sugar
3 eggs
225g (8oz) self-raising flour, sieved
25g (1oz) ground almonds
75g (3oz) mixed chopped nuts
2 x 15ml spoons (2 tablespoons) milk

Glaze

2 x 15ml spoons (2 tablespoons) apricot jam, heated and sieved with 1 x 15ml spoon (1 tablespoon) water
Assorted nuts to decorate.

Method of preparation

Place all cake ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until well mixed. Place mixture into a greased and bottom-lined 1kg (2lb) loaf tin. Bake on the middle shelf of a preheated oven 160°C, 325°F, Gas No.3 for 1 ¼ - 1 ½ hours.

Leave in tin for a few minutes before turning out. Brush top of cake with a little of the glaze, arrange nuts on top, and brush these with remaining glaze.