Speedy Christmas Pudding

Description

Ingredients (to serve six):

90g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

300g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)

75g chopped dried figs

75g chopped dates

75g chopped nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts)

150ml brandy or rum

1 orange, zested and juiced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

2 medium eggs, beaten 

150g self-raising flour

Icing sugar, to serve

Instructions:

1. Grease a 2-pint (1.2l) microwave-safe pudding basin with butter.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried fruit, chopped figs and dates, chopped nuts, brandy or rum, orange and lemon zest and juice, and spices. Mix well.

3. Melt the butter in a small bowl and add to the fruit mixture, along with the beaten eggs. Stir until well combined.

4. Sift the self-raising flour into the fruit mixture and fold gently until just combined.

5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pudding basin and level the surface with the back of a spoon.

6. Cover the basin with a sheet of microwave-safe cling film, leaving a small vent in the centre.

7. Microwave on high for 15-18 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.

8. Remove the pudding from the microwave and let it stand for a minute or two in the basin.

9. Turn out onto a plate and dust with icing sugar.

Serve with your favourite custard, cream, or brandy butter.