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.