Microwaveable Christmas Pudding
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 <b>...</b>
