Xmas Pudding

This last-minute Christmas pudding recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Serve with lashings of brandy butter.

Ingredients

• • butter, for greasing

  • handful fresh breadcumbs

  • 1 free-range egg

  • 4 tsp mincemeat

  • 2 tsp soft brown sugar

  • ¼ nutmeg, grated

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground mixed spice

  • 1 orange, zest only

  • 1 tsp stout ale

  • small knob of butter

  • 30g/1oz mixed dried fruit

  • 4 tsp brandy

Preparation method

• • Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Grease a small pudding bowl with butter.

  • Mix all the ingredients, except the brandy, in a bowl until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the pudding bowl, cover with greaseproof paper and cook in the microwave on full power for one minute.

  • Transfer the pudding to the oven and bake for a further 8-10 minutes.

  • Prepare a steamer, then steam the puddings for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.

  • To serve, turn the pudding out onto a serving plate and pour over the brandy.