STEAMED CHRISTMAS PUDDING

This is my favourite part of the menu, I do have a sweet tooth.  You can microwave this recipe by covering with clingwrap and microwaving on 30% (medium-low) power, 30 to 45 minutes or until done.  Be careful not to overcook when microwaving.

250ml (1 cup) seedless raisins
250ml (1 cup) sultanas
125ml (1/2 cup) brandy
250ml (1 cup) flour, sifted
10ml (2 tsp) ground mixed spice
7ml (1 tsp and a bit) baking powder
5ml (1 tsp) bicarbonate of soda
pinch of salt
125ml (1/2 cup) pecan nuts, chopped and toasted
250ml (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs
3 extra-large eggs, beaten
375ml (1 - 1/2 cup) soft brown sugar
250g prunes, pureed
60ml (4 tbs) oil
finely grated rind of one orange
30ml (2 tbs) orange juice
3 carrots, scraped and grated

1.  Combine raisins, sultanas and brandy in bowl, set aside to macerate.
2.  Sift together flour, spice, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt into separate bowl, stir in nuts and crumbs.
3.  Whisk together eggs and brown sugar, stir in prune puree, oil, orange rind and juice, and carrots.
4.  Combine all ingredients, stir well.  Spoon into a greased and base-lined 1.5 litre pudding basin, level surface.
5.  Cover with double layer of grease-proof paper, then foil tie firmly with string.
6.  Stand on trivet in deep saucepan, pour in enough boiling to come two-thirds of way up sides of basin.
7.  Cover tightly with lid and folded tea towel.  Steam three hours, replenishing with boiling water as necessary.
8.  Test by inserting skewer into centre - it should come out clean.  Turn out onto heated serving plate, flame with brandy, serve hot with Caramel Orange Brandy Sauce.

Serves 12 to 1

I know that after reading the recipe you already have thought....no ways!! Well, I agree that is why this is a recipe where the microwave comes up top.
Try that or settle for the bought product which cannot even compare. If you still don't want to make a Christmas pudding the following recipes should tempt you.