CHRISTMAS PLUM PUDDING

Preparation Method :

• Place raisins, sultanas, currants, mixed peel, almonds, sugar and brandy or sherry in a bowl and mix to combine.
• Melt butter in a microwavable bowl on Medium for 5 minutes. Stir in fruit mixture, then add eggs, stout, orange rind and orange juice and mix to combine.
• Sift together flour, nutmeg and mixed spice. Add flour mixture, breadcrumbs, carrot and apple to fruit mixture and mix well to combine.
• Prepare microwavable pudding bowls by lining base with a double thickness of greaseproof paper and brushing generously with melted butter.
• Divide mixture between bowls and press down firmly. Cover each pudding securely with microwavable plastic food wrap. Cook puddings, one at a time, on edge of turntable as directed below.
• Allow puddings to cool completely before removing plastic wrap.
• Cover each pudding with a double, pleated layer of buttered greaseproof paper and a layer of aluminium foil. Secure with string and store puddings in the refrigerator until required.
• Steam each pudding for at least 1 hour before turning out and serving.