Quick Microwave Christmas Pudding

by Cath
(Fife Scotland)

Most Christmas Puddings have to be made weeks in advance, and I often find I'm not organised enough to do this - and then at the last minute have to go and buy one.

But someone introduced me to a recipe they had of making it 'on the day' using bought mincemeat. So I tried out their recipe and then adjusted it to how I liked it. It's quick to make, as it's done in the microwave; and although it can be made on the day, you can still make it up to a month beforehand and then just re-heated on Christmas for around 10 minutes.

Ingredients

10 oz good mincemeat - if you're organised you can make your own, if not use a good quality make (I use Marks and Spencers).
8 oz brown sugar (molasses style)
8 oz self-raising flour.
3 well-beaten eggs
5 oz marmalade (the fine shred is best)
1 oz glace cherries
4 tbs whisky
4 oz frozen butter which is grated or chopped to fine pieces.

Brandy Butter, Rum Sauce or fresh cream to accompany it.


Method

1. Line a pudding basin (2 pt size)with greaseproof paper.
2. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Spoon the mixture into the greased bowl and cover it with greaseproof paper.
4. Put bowl on plate and cook in microwave on medium power for 20 - 25 minutes.
5. Test it with a skewer of knife - if it is 'done' the skewer will come out clean.
6. Leave to 'rest' for 5 minutes.
7. Carefully turn on to serving plate and decorate with cream and holly.
8. You can serve with other things like Brandy Butter, Rum Sauce, Custard or whatever you prefer.
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