Easy Christmas Pudding

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 ½ hours - 3 hours
Makes: 8-10 serves
Tip: To reheat, cover with plastic wrap, microwave for 2 minutes then turn upside down & heat for another 1-2 minutes. For single slices heat for about 40 seconds each.

1.	Lightly oil a glass or metal bowl of 6 cup capacity. Smoothly line with plastic wrap.
2.	Combine fruit, nuts, brandy, orange juice & rind in a bowl & mix well.
3.	In another bowl whisk the eggs, cream & sugar together.
4.	Sift flour, spices & bicarb soda into the fruit & stir in the egg mixture. Mix well.
5.	Pour into the prepared bowl & cover loosely with a double thickness of plastic wrap.
6.	Set in a saucepan with warm water half way up the sides of the bowl, cover tightly with lid & bring water to the boil.
7.	Reduce heat to medium & boil the pudding for about 2 ½ - 3 hours.
8.	Remove pudding bowl from saucepan & invert onto a plate. Remove the plastic wrap & leave to cool, then wrap in a double thickness of foil & refrigerate until needed.