Ingredients

1/2 cup sultana
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup chopped raisins
1/4 cup dessert fig , finely chopped
1/2 cup brandy
10 plump dried apricots , chopped
2 liters good quality vanilla ice cream , softened
50 g dark chocolate , chopped
1/2 cup sliced almonds , toasted
New Zealand-style ice cream Christmas pudding is a popular dessert in New Zealand and Australia, where Christmas is typically celebrated during the summer months. This festive dessert combines the classic Christmas pudding flavors of dried fruit and brandy with vanilla ice cream, resulting in a unique and refreshing treat. The dessert is traditionally served cold, making it perfect for summer gatherings and barbecues. While the recipe may seem complex, it's a fun way to add some international flair to your holiday celebrations.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, combine the sultanas, currants, raisins, figs, and brandy. Mix well and let sit overnight.
2.Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a pudding basin with butter.
3.In a separate bowl, combine the softened vanilla ice cream, chopped dark chocolate, and toasted almonds. Mix well.
4.Add the soaked fruit mixture to the ice cream mixture and stir gently to combine.
5.Pour the mixture into the prepared pudding basin and smooth the top.
6.Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper, then a layer of aluminum foil, securing tightly with string to seal in the steam.
7.Place the pudding basin in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour enough water to come about halfway up the sides of the basin, then cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the pudding steam for 3 hours, adding more water as necessary to keep the water level at the same height.
8.Carefully remove the pudding basin from the pot and let cool. Refrigerate the pudding for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving. To serve, invert the pudding onto a plate and garnish with additional sliced almonds and a drizzle of brandy.

PROS

This New Zealand-style ice cream Christmas pudding is a sweet and festive treat perfect for the holiday season.
The combination of dried fruit, brandy, and vanilla ice cream creates a delicious and unique flavor.
The recipe is also versatile, as it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

CONS

This recipe can be time-consuming to prepare, and requires several hours of steaming.
The dessert is also quite rich and high in fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe is not particularly healthy, the dried fruit in the pudding provides some essential vitamins and minerals. Sultanas are a good source of iron, which helps support healthy blood oxygenation. Currants and raisins are high in fiber, which supports digestive health. Additionally, dark chocolate contains antioxidants which may help reduce inflammation in the body.

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