Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding

Description
A southern-hemisphere Christmas plum pudding - in the southern hemisphere they have a summer Christmas so they have adapted some of the more traditional festive fare to local conditions. Here is one example: it is very easy, and it can be made up to a week ahead of using. The original recipe called for the use of a microwave to do the heating and cooking. This works well for melting the gelatine but is a bit of a nuisance otherwise.
 * Difficulty: easy to moderate (timing matters).
 * Time: 15 minutes preparation, overnight freezing.
 * Yield: serves 8 – 10

Ingredients

 * 4 cup dried fruits (mixed) finely chopped
 * 1 tbsp orange rind, grated
 * 2 tbsp cocoa
 * ½ cup brandy or masala
 * 2 tbsp gelatine
 * 1 tbsp water, boiling
 * 1 gallon ice cream, vanilla slightly softened but not melted

Directions

 * 1) Combine fruit, spice, orange rind, cocoa and brandy in a large saucepan.
 * 2) Over medium heat, bring almost to a boil, stirring occasionally.
 * 3) Cool, stirring occasionally.
 * 4) Mix gelatine and boiling water; simmer in a small pan for a few seconds, until evenly melted.
 * 5) Blend into fruit, chill.
 * 6) Fold the fruit into the softened ice cream, blending evenly.
 * 7) Pack into foil lined bowl, cover with foil and freeze overnight or longer.
 * 8) To serve, unmould onto a serving plate, cut into wedges and serve with cinnamon-flavoured whipped cream.