Step 1

Mix together orange and lemon peel, dates, cashewnuts, currants, raisins, brandy and lemon juice very well.

Step 2

Sift together flour, cinnamon, clove and nuteg powders and mix in the breadcrumbs.

Step 3

Mix butter and sugar and beat till light and fluffy. Gradually add eggs, beating well after each addition. Fold in the prepared flour and fruits and nuts mixtures.

Step 4

Spoon the mixture in to the greased pudding basin (1 litre mould), gently putting the mixture . Cover the mould tightly with grease proof paper / baking paper securely tied.

Step 5

Place the pudding mould in the steamer filled nearly 1/2 with water and steam for 2.5 – 3 hours. Check the water level frequently, the water should not dry. Check if the pudding is ready by piercing the toothpick and see if it comes out clean.

Step 6

Remove the pudding from the steamer, and let it cool naturally.

Step 7

Remove the wrappings and again wrap it tightly in new greaseproof paper / aluminium foil. Keep it at cool place till christmas.

Step 8

Before serving again steam it for one hour, then cut the Xmas Pudding into small portions.

Step 9

Serve the Easy Christmas Steamed Pudding with brandy sauce or custard or ice cream and decorated with cherries.