Prue Leiths Last Minute Christmas Pudding Food

TINY TIM'S PLUM PUDDING

Steps:

• Generously grease an 8-cup pudding mold, metal gelatin mold or ovenproof bowl; set aside., In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, mix bread crumbs, flour, orange zest, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, salt and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture. Fold in plums, dates, raisins, carrots and currants., Transfer to prepared pudding mold. Cover tightly with heavy-duty foil; tie foil with kitchen string to secure., Place on a rack in a stockpot; add 3 in. hot water to pot. Bring water to a gentle boil; steam cake, covered, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 2 to 2-1/2 hours, adding more water to pot as needed. Remove pudding from pot; let stand 5 minutes before unmolding., Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat hard sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Unmold pudding onto a serving plate; serve warm with sauce.

MICROWAVE CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Steps:

• Grease a 1.5Litre/6 cup capacity microwave safe bowl.
• Beat butter and sugar in a small bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well between additions.
• Beat in the golden syrup and essence.
• Stir in fruit, pie apples, sifted flour and spices, bread crumbs and sherry.
• Spoon mixture into the prepared bowl. Cook, uncovered, on Low 30% for about 35 minutes or until cooked when tested.
• Stand for 15 before serving.

LAST-MINUTE CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Steps:

• Butter and line the base of a 1.5-litre pudding basin with greaseproof paper. In a large bowl, stir the ingredients together, adding them one at a time in the order they are listed, until everything is completely mixed.
• Tip the pudding mix into the basin and cover with a circle of greaseproof paper. Place the pudding on a plate and microwave on Medium for 20-25 mins until cooked and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Leave to stand for 5 mins, then turn out and serve with brandy butter and cream.