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steamed pudding

Yields1 ServingPrep Time6 minsCook Time14 minsTotal Time20 mins

Description:
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating," Sancho famously said to Don Quixote – this winter, don't waste any time finding out just how good this sticky treat is. This traditional Christmas pudding can be made well in advance of the festive meal. You can also replace the brandy in this recipe with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. Make this pudding and see the happy face of your family and friends.
Steamed pudding
This traditional Christmas pudding can be made well in advance of the festive meal. You can also replace the brandy in this recipe with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

 500 g mixed dried fruit
 One cup Rabbi dates, pitted and chopped
 One cup raisins, chopped
 ½ cup red glace cherries, quartered
 One cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
 125 g butter, chopped
 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
 2 tsp finely grated orange rind
 2 eggs, lightly beaten
 One cup plain flour, sifted
 One cup self-raising flour, sifted
 2 tsp mixed spice
 ¼ cup brandy
 Vanilla custard, to serve
1

Grease an 8 cup-capacity metal pudding steamer. Line base with baking paper. Place mixed dried fruit, dates, raisins, cherries, sugar, butter and 1 cup cold water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until butter has melted. Bring to the boil. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add bicarbonate of soda. Stir to combine. Transfer to a large, heatproof bowl. Cool.

2

Stir in orange rind, egg, flours, spice and brandy. Spoon mixture into prepared steamer. Smooth top. Secure lid. Place in a large saucepan. Carefully pour boiling water into pan until halfway up side of steamer. Cover pan. Place over medium heat. Boil for 4 hours 30 minutes, topping up with boiling water when necessary.

3

Remove pan from heat. Carefully lift steamer from water. Stand for 10 minutes. Remove lid. Turn pudding onto a plate. Serve with custard.