Plum Pudding

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried mixed fruit
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup currants
• 1/2 cup candied citrus peel
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup chopped Brazil nuts

Directions

1. Soak the dried fruit in the brandy overnight.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the soaked fruit and brandy, and mix until combined.
5. Add the spices, flour, breadcrumbs, milk, almonds, and nuts, and mix until combined.
6. Grease and line a 1.2-liter pudding basin with parchment paper.
7. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, and cover with a lid or foil.
8. Steam the pudding for 2 hours, topping up the water as needed.
9. Serve the pudding with brandy butter or custard.

Interesting Facts

• In the United Kingdom, plum pudding is traditionally served at Christmas.
• The pudding is often lit with a Christmas pudding brandy and set on fire for a dramatic effect.
• The pudding can be made up to a month in advance and stored in an airtight container.