Citrus Christmas Pudding

Ingredients

 * 3 oz plain flour, sifted
 * 2 tsp ground mixed spice
 * ½ tsp salt
 * 4 oz fresh white breadcrumbs
 * 3 oz light brown sugar
 * 6 oz sultanas
 * 6 oz currants
 * 6 oz raisins
 * 1 oz mixed peel
 * 4 oz shredded suet
 * finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange
 * 2 medium eggs, beaten
 * 5 fl oz stout
 * 2 tbsp orange liqueur or extra orange juice

Directions

 * 1) Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
 * 2) Spoon the mixture into a greased 2 pint pudding basin.
 * 3) Cover with two rounds of pleated greaseproof paper and tie securely with string.
 * 4) Cover with pleated foil.
 * 5) Place the pudding on an upturned saucer in a large pan.
 * 6) Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the basin.
 * 7) Cover and steam for 5 hours topping up with water when needed.
 * 8) Cool and re-cover with greaseproof paper.
 * 9) Store in a cool dry place.
 * 10) To serve, steam as before for 3 hours, then turn out onto a warmed serving plate and flame with brandy if liked.