Ingredients

75 g butter , softened , plus extra
butter , for greasing
450 g dried fruit ( use a mixture of sultanas , raisins and snipped apricots )
1 small cooking apple , peeled , cored and roughly chopped ( about 175g/6oz )
1 orange , juice and rind of , finely grated
50 ml brandy or 50 ml rum , plus extra
brandy or rum , for feeding and flaming
100 g light muscovado sugar
2 eggs
100 g self-raising flour
1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
40 g fresh white breadcrumbs
40 g whole shelled almonds , roughly chopped
The Ultimate English Christmas Pudding is a rich and fruity dessert that is traditionally served in the UK during Christmas time. It is made with dried fruit, spices, and brandy or rum, giving it a warm and festive flavor. It is usually served with brandy butter, cream, or custard. The pudding is steamed for several hours, which gives it a dense and moist texture. It is a popular dessert that has been enjoyed by many families for generations.

Instructions

1.Grease a 1.2-litre pudding basin with butter and set aside.
2.Place the dried fruit, apple, orange juice and rind, brandy or rum, sugar, butter, eggs, flour, mixed spice, breadcrumbs and chopped almonds in a large mixing bowl.
3.Stir well with a wooden spoon until everything is combined and there are no lumps.
4.Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin and level the surface.
5.Cut a circle of baking parchment to cover the surface of the pudding, then cover with a sheet of foil and secure with string.
6.Make a string handle from one side of the basin to the other so it is easy to pick it up.
7.Place the pudding in a large pan with a lid and pour in enough boiling water from the kettle to come halfway up the sides of the basin.
8.Cover with the lid and simmer for 3 hours, topping up the water occasionally so it doesn't boil dry.
9.Remove the pudding from the pan, take off the foil and parchment and leave to cool.
10.Drizzle a little more brandy or rum over the top, cover with fresh baking parchment and foil and store in a cool, dry place until Christmas day.
11.To reheat, steam for 2 hours, then remove from the basin and flambé with more brandy or rum, if wished.

PROS

The Ultimate English Christmas Pudding is a traditional British dessert, perfect for the holidays or special occasions.

It is a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed with friends and family.

It is fairly easy to make and can be made ahead of time.

CONS

The Ultimate English Christmas Pudding can be a bit time-consuming to make and requires some planning ahead.

It is also high in calories and sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The Ultimate English Christmas Pudding contains dried fruit, which is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
It also contains almonds, which are high in healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
However, due to its high sugar and calorie content, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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