Christmas pudding

Ingredients:

• 350g sultanas

• 350g raisins, or currants

• 150g dried figs, chopped

• 125g mixed candied peel, chopped

• 100g dried apricots, chopped

• 75g dark glacé cherries, halved

• 150ml brandy, plus some for flaming

• 2 apples, or quince

• 2 oranges, juice and zest

• 6 eggs

• 250g shredded suet

• 350g soft muscovado sugar

• 250g fresh breadcrumbs

• 175g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp mixed spice

Procedure:

1. You will need two 1.5 litre plastic pudding basins and lids, buttered, two old sixpences or two pound coins, scrupulously scrubbed, two circles of greaseproof paper, buttered, large enough to cover the top of each pudding, with a single pleat folded down the centre of each.

2. Soak the sultanas, raisins or currants, figs, candied peel, apricots and cherries in the brandy overnight. The liquid won't cover the fruit but no matter; just give it a good stir now and again.

3. Mix the grated apples, orange juice and zest, beaten eggs, suet, sugar, crumbs and pour in a very large mixing bowl, then stir in the soaked fruit and the spice. Divide the mixture between the buttered pudding basins, tucking the coins in as you go. Cover with the greaseproof paper, folded with a pleat in the centre.

4. Pop the lids on and steam for three and a half hours. Allow the puddings to cool, then remove the greaseproof paper, cover tightly with clinging and the plastic lid and store in a cool, dry place till Christmas.

5. To reheat: steam the puddings for a further three and a half hours. Turn out and flame with brandy.