Light Christmas Pudding Food

7-CUP STEAMED CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE

Steps:

• For the pudding, empty the first six cups and the nuts, if using, into a mixing bowl with the spices, then stir in the milk and egg. Once well combined, tip into a buttered 1.5 litre pudding bowl.
• Cover with a double layer of buttered foil, making a pleat in the centre to allow the pudding to rise.
• Tie the foil securely with string, then place in a steamer or large pan containing enough gently simmering water to come halfway up the sides of the bowl. Steam, covered with a lid, for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
• Check the water level during cooking, topping up if necessary.
• If you are preparing this pudding ahead, remove the foil, let it cool slightly, then wrap in cling film and then fresh foil. It can be stored in a fridge for up to one week ahead of time. Or, freeze it for up to one month. Defrost overnight.
• If you are serving it immediately, unwrap and invert onto a deep plate.
• For the sauce, put everything in a pan and bring slowly to the boil, stirring. Allow to bubble away for 2-3 minutes, still stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is pale caramel in colour and slightly thickened.
• Remove from the heat. Pour the sauce over the pudding and decorate with the whole mixed nuts.
• Serve with a jug of fresh cream or brandy custard.

LIGHT CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Steps:

• Grease a 1.2litre pudding basin with butter.
• Place the cherries in the bottom.
• Beat the sugar and butter with a hand held beater until pale and creamy.
• Beat in the eggs seperately, whisking well in between.
• Fold in the sifted flour, spice and salt carefully.
• Then add the lemon juice, lemon and orange zest, apple and fruit mince.
• Spoon into the basin.
• Tie a double piece of pleated baking paper on to the basin.
• Place in boiling water and cook for 2 1/2 hours.
• When the pudding is completely cold, turn it out, wrap it well and freeze until needed.
• Take out of freezer Christmas Eve.
• Can either re-steam it for an hour or just slice it and heat in the microwave.
• I used mixed red, green and yellow cherries.