Mr D's Christmas Pudding

Method

• step 1

  Soak the mixed fruit, peel & glacé cherries in the brandy over night. Stir a few times to ensure all the fruit soaks up some brandy.

• step 2

  In a large bowl mix together the dry ingredients, eggs, suet, apple and orange juice & zest. Then mix in the soaked fruit.

• step 3

  Add the mix to buttered bowls then cover with foil or baking paper.

• step 4

  Stand the puddings in a deep, large pan (or 2 if that's easier) on trivets or upturned saucers and pour boiling water around so it comes about a third of the way up. Cover the pan and steam the puddings for 5 hrs, topping up with more boiling water when necessary.

• step 5

  once cool cover the bowls with a lid or cling film and store in a cool, dry place, For at least a month if possible . Feed the puddings with more brandy in the run up to Christmas by drizzling it over the top.

• step 6

  To reheat steam for an hour or, if you really must, microwave as necessary. Adding flaming hot brandy is up to you but keep a fire extinguish close to hand.