Run out of time to make your Christmas pudding dont despair, this one can be made a few days before Christmas, stored in the refrigerator and produced on the important day, and no one would know!

Quick reference


Serves 6 - 8
Preparation time: 15 mins, plus soaking at least 3hrs
Cooking time: 18 20 minutes plus 7 minutes standing time

Ingredients


300g luxury mixed fruit
25g dried cranberries (cherries could be used)
Zest and juice of 1 orange 100ml + 100ml water = 200ml orange juice and water
50ml Brandy
1 small cooking apple - grated
2 Dietary Specials Rustic Rolls or 150g brown multigrain or white sliced bread made into breadcrumbs
1 tsp mixed spice
50g dark muscovado sugar
25g hazelnuts roughly chopped
50g blanched almonds roughly chopped
85g suet from the butcher or cookeen (vegetable alternative) grated straight from the fridge
1 large egg beaten
1 tbsp black treacle

Method


1. Put the dried fruit, orange zest, juice and water into a large mixing bowl, microwave on full power for 3 minutes.
2. Pour over the brandy, cover and leave to soak in a cool place for 2hrs to allow the flavours to develop.
3. Add the grated apple, breadcrumbs, mixed spice, sugar and nuts, mix together with a wooden spoon, add the suet in 3 batches and stir well after each batch, then add the egg and treacle and mix again not forgetting to make your wish!
4. Grease a 1.2litres (2pt) plastic pudding basin. Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin and level with the back of a spoon. Cover the top loosely with cling film, leaving a small hole for breathing.
Cook on medium 10 minutes, stand for 5 minutes then cook on medium for a further 8 -10 minutes, if eating immediately stand for a further 2 minutes or when cold wrap in cling and foil and store in the refrigerator for 1 2 weeks.
(Cooking times may vary according to the type of basin and microwave).


NB Reheating
Remove foil and clover lightly with cling, microwave on full power (850watts) for 3 minutes, allow standing for 3 minutes, and then cook on medium for 5 - 7 minutes, then stand a further minute before turning out of basin, (temperature needs to be approximately 65˚C in the centre of the pudding)
The cooking time may vary according to the type of basin and microwave

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