Christmas Plum Pudding

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup golden raisin
• 3/4 cup currant
• 1/2 cup candied orange peel
• 1/2 cup almonds, unsalted, chopped
• 1 cup apple, shredded
• 1 cup beef suet, chopped
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons brandy, plus extra
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. 1

   Combine raisins, golden raisins, currants, candied orange peel, chopped almonds and shredded apple.

2. 2

   Combine suet, flour, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, allspice and salt.

3. 3

   Beat eggs and add to flour mixture.

4. 4

   Stir brandy and lemon juice into fruit mixture.

5. 5

   Stir fruit into batter.

6. 6

   Pack into greased, heat-proof bowl (or several smaller bowls, or straight-sided canning jars for gifting).

7. 7

   Steam for 3-6 hours (depending on size of container) until the dough portion of the pudding is firm (test with toothpick, like a cake).

8. 8

   Cool and sprinkle with more brandy. Cover tightly and refrigerate until Christmas. (can be made far in advance).

9. 9

   To serve, steam again until warm, turn out onto a heat-proof plate, and if you are really adventurous, pour brandy over pudding and light!