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1
Lightly butter a 1.4-litre (21/2-pint) pudding basin.
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2
Cut a small square of foil and press into the base of the basin.
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3
Measure the sultanas, raisins, apricots and apple into a bowl with the orange juice.
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4
Add the measured brandy or rum and leave to marinate for about one hour.
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5
Put the measured butter, sugar and grated orange rind into a large bowl and cream together with a wooden spoon or a hand-held electric whisk until light and fluffy, gradually beat in the eggs, adding a little flour if the mixture starts to curdle.
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6
Sift together the flour and mixed spice, then fold into the creamed mixture with the breadcrumbs and the nuts.
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7
Add the dried fruits, apple and liquid and stir well.
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8
Spoon into the prepared pudding basin, pressing the mixture down, and level the top with the back of a spoon.
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9
Cover the pudding with a layer of greaseproof paper and foil, both pleated across the middle to allow for expansion.
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10
Tie securely with string and trim off excess paper and foil with scissors***.
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11
TO STEAM, put the pudding in the top of a steamer filled with simmering water, cover with a lid and steam for about eight hours, topping up the water as necessary.
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12
TO BOIL, put a metal jam-jar lid into the base of a large pan to act as a trivet. Put the pudding on to this and pour in enough boiling water to come one-third of the way up the bowl. Cover with a lid, bring the water back to the boil, then simmer for about seven hours, until the pudding is a glorious deep brown colour, topping up the water as necessary.
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13
Remove the pudding from the steamer or pan and cool completely.
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14
Make holes in the pudding with a fine skewer and pour in a little more brandy or rum to feed.
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15
Discard the paper and foil and replace with fresh. Store in a cool, dry place.
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16
On Christmas Day, steam or boil the pudding for about an hour to reheat. Turn the pudding on to a serving plate.
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17
To flame, warm 3-4 tablespoons brandy or rum in a small pan, pour it over the hot pudding and set light to it.
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18
Serve with Rum Sauce or Brandy Butter.
