VIA Rail's plum pudding recipe

Instructions

• Wash raisins, sultanas and currants. Steam these ingredients for a few minutes to soften, then add the rum, orange and lemon juices, and the two extracts. Let stand for 12 hours.
• Whip eggs well. Mix in the chopped apples, rind and mixed peel. Add the raisin mixture from Step 1. Mix well.
• Combine the remaining dry ingredients with the chopped nuts and suet. Add the wet mixture from Step 2. Mix well.
• Pour the mixture into a mould and cover with a well-floured cloth.
• Tie the cloth securely around the mold with string. Plunge in boiling water and boil for 4-5 hours.

Tips for making your plum pudding special:

• Include small coins in the pudding mixture! This once common tradition dictates that those lucky enough to find a coin in their share will have a year full of wealth. Kids will especially love the treasure hunt. Just remember to warn the family before they dig in.
• Flame it up! Pour hot rum or whiskey around the pudding and either ignite it in the kitchen and rapidly bring it forth, or flame it at the table. The flame will burn out once the alcohol is consumed. Keep out of reach of children!
• Make it saucy! Plum pudding is best served with a sauce - whether it be a simple hard sauce, or something sweeter flavoured with lemon, caramel or vanilla.