Ingredients: 1 lb golden raisins, chopped 1 lb dried currants 8 oz mixed candied citrus peel 1/2 cup brandy 1 lb butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 7 eggs, separated 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted Pinch of salt 3 cups fresh bread crumbs 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground mace or allspice 1/4 cup light cream 1 1/2 cups Vanilla- or brandy-flavored custard, for serving Directions:1. Prepare the fruit and place in a bowl with 1/4 cup of the brandy. Allow to stand, covered, for at least 5 hours. 2. Cream the butter and brown sugar until light. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in the sifted flour, salt, breadcrumbs and spices alternately with the fruit. Stir in the cream and the remaining 1/4 cup of brandy. Pour into a large heat-proof pudding mold. 3. Cover with 2 rounds each of waxed (greaseproof) paper and then with aluminum foil. Tie the mold securely with string, by wrapping the string around the top of the mold and making a "handle" by tying more string across the top, tying each end onto the string wrapped around the top of the mold. 4. Put enough water in a saucepan large enough to hold the pudding mold, to come three-fourths of the way up the side of the mold, to come three-fourths of the way up the side of the mold and bring to a boil. 5. Lower the mold into boiling water and boil for 6 hours, continually adding boiling water to the pan to keep the water about three-fourths of the way up the mold. Remove the pudding and set aside for at least a week before serving. Serve with vanilla- or brandy-flavored custard. |