microwaveable christmas pudding
Run out of time to make your Christmas pudding - don't despair, this one can be made a few days before Christmas‚ stored in the refrigerator and produced on the important day and no one would know!
Ingredients
300g luxury mixed fruit
25g dried cranberries (cherries could be used)
Zest and juice of 1 orange 100ml + 100ml water = 200ml orange juice and water
50ml Brandy
1 small cooking apple - grated
3 Dietary Specials Brown Ciabatta Rolls or 150g brown multigrain or white sliced bread – made into breadcrumbs
1 tsp mixed spice
50g dark muscovado sugar
25g hazelnuts – roughly chopped
50g blanched almonds – roughly chopped
85g suet from the butcher or cookeen (vegetable alternative) grated straight from the fridge
1 large egg – beaten
1 tbsp black treacle
Method
1. Put the dried fruit, orange zest, juice and water into a large mixing bowl, microwave on full power for 3 minutes.
2. Pour over the brandy, cover and leave to soak in a cool place for 2hrs to allow the flavours to develop.
3. Add the grated apple, breadcrumbs, mixed spice, sugar and nuts, mix together with a wooden spoon, add the suet in 3 batches and stir well after each batch, then add the egg and treacle and mix again not forgetting to make your wish!
4. Grease a 1.2litres (2pt) plastic pudding basin. Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin and level with the back of a spoon. Cover the top loosely with cling film, leaving a small hole for breathing.
Cook on medium 10 minutes, stand for 5 minutes then cook on medium for a further 8 -10 minutes, if eating immediately stand for a further 2 minutes or when cold wrap in cling and foil and store in the refrigerator for 1 – 2 weeks.
(Cooking times may vary according to the type of basin and microwave).
NB Reheating
Remove foil and clover lightly with cling, microwave on full power (850watts) for 3 minutes, allow standing for 3 minutes, and then cook on medium for 5 - 7 minutes, then stand a further minute before turning out of basin, (temperature needs to be approximately 65°C in the centre of the pudding)
The cooking time may vary according to the type of basin and microwave
Quick reference
Serves 6 - 8
Preparation time: 15 mins, plus soaking – at least 3hrs
Cooking time: 18 – 20 minutes plus 7 minutes standing time
Serves 6 - 8
Preparation time: 15 mins, plus soaking – at least 3hrs
Cooking time: 18 – 20 minutes plus 7 minutes standing time
