Cooking time: 6-8 hours
Preparation time: 45 mins.
Main cooking utensils: 1 or 2 ovenproof bowls, foil or wax paper

For 12-16 servings:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh soft bread crumbs
1 teaspoon each mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Scant cup shredded suet
½ cup brown sugar
1 dessert apple, grated
1 small carrot, grated
¾ cup chopped candied peel
2 eggs
Scant cup currants
1⅓ cups raisins
¾ cup seedless white raisins
Scant ½ cup chopped prunes or dried apricots
1 cup chopped, balanced almonds
Grated ring of ½ lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
Grated ring of ½ orange
1 tablespoon corn syrup or molasses
⅔ cup ale, beer, or milk

1. Mix all ingredients together and leave overnight, then stir again wishing hard for good luck.
2. Put into the greased bowl(s), cover with foil or wax paper. Alternatively cover the top with a flour and water paste (mix 2 cups flour to a paste with water).
3. Steam or boil for time given, allowing longer time for one pudding. Remove wet covers as soon as pudding is cooked, then put on dry covered and re-steam for 2-3 hours on Christmas morning.

TO SERVE: With brandy butter made by creaming ½ cup butter, 1½ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar and 3 tablespoons brandy.

TO STORE: In a cool dry place.

Preparing fruit for Christmas cooking: If washing the fruit allow it to dry at room temperature for 48 hours.

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PRINTED IN CANADA. © Copyright Paul Hamlyn Ltd 1967