THIS IS MY SECRET CHRISTMAS PUDDING RECIPE. EASY TO MAKE AND VERY POPULAR - I GET ORDERS FROM ALL THE FAMILY AS EARLY AS JULY. FOR BEST RESULTS, COOK AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
50g plain flour
1/2 tsp ground mixed spice
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
50g shredded beef suet
50 g fresh breadcrumbs
50g soft light brown sugar
175g raisins
175g sultanas
25g mixed chopped peel
1 eating apple peeled & grated
1 carrot peeled & grated
25g blanched chopped almonds
grated rind & juice of 1/2 lemon
grated rind of 1/2 orange
2 tsp black treacle
65ml barley wine (can be substituted with ordinary white wine or sherry)
1 tbsp brandy
Put all the ingredients into a large bowl or pan, mix thoroughly together,(let all family members have a stir for good luck).
Cover & leave in refrigerator overnight.
Grease well a 2 pint ovenproof pudding basin, spoon the mixture into the basin making sure to pack down with the back of a spoon.
Cover with pleated greaseproof paper and the 2 layers of tin foil and secure with string.
Steam in a saucepan for 6 hours.
Cool, remove covers and turn out of the basin. Cover with greaseproof paper & tin foil and store in a cool dry place until christmas.
This can be re-heated on christmas day either by putting back in basin, re-covering & steaming for 2 hours or (my choice), approx 6 minutes in the microwave, without the basin. Happy Christmas!!!
