This recipe is my take on a traditional plum pudding, which I hope you'll thoroughly enjoy. Don't forget to read the variations at the end, as I also offer a gluten-free version for those intolerant to gluten and some other options. I often make several smaller puddings, as they make lovely Christmas gifts to give to my close friends, all beautifully wrapped up and adorned with a sprig of holly.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped and pitted prunes
  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1/3 cup crystallized ginger , diced small
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1 Tbsp. orange zest
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup agave syrup
  • Big pinch sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp. allspice
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. cardamom
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 1 1/2 cups spelt flour
  • 1 cup hemp milk or rice milk or soy milk
    • Directions
    Equipment:

    • Pudding basin or bowl preferably with rim so foil can be tucked in securely
    • Large saucepan with tight-fitting lid big enough to hold the bowls
    • Greaseproof paper circle to fit top of bowl
    • Aluminum foil
    In a mixing bowl, combine the raisins, prunes, apricots and ginger and add brandy, orange and lemon zest and juices, agave syrup, salt, spices and vanilla. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 8 hours or overnight.

    When ready to make pudding, transfer the soaked fruit into a large mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Rub the inside of the pudding bowl with coconut oil or olive oil and add the pudding mixture. Cover the top with circles of parchment paper that fit inside the bowl. Cover the top with aluminum foil, which you put a pleat in the middle to allow for expansion during the cooking process. Tuck the foil in well around the bowl to make sure no water or steam gets in while cooking.

    Put the bowl into a large saucepan with tight-fitting lid. Fill the saucepan with enough water to come to within an inch of the top of bowl. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 4 hours. Check occasionally to make sure there’s enough water, and add some if it’s getting low.

    It's traditional to make your puddings several months before Christmas and resteam on the day of your celebration. When ready to use, steam them again for about 2 hours.

    To serve, turn out onto a platter and drizzle liberally with brandy—set it alight immediately to burn off the alcohol. Serve with vanilla custard or cashew ice cream.

    Variations:
    • You can use other assortments of fruit such as currants, sultanas, dried figs, dried goji berries or cherries.
    • I made mine last year using a lovely homemade liquor that a friend had given me in place of the brandy, and it was quite delicious. You could also use sherry, cointreau or even a dark beer like Guinness. If you prefer to make it without alcohol, you could use fruit juice.
    • You could sweeten with maple syrup, honey or barley malt.
    • Other ground nuts such as hazelnuts, cashews or pecans can be used in place of the almonds.
    • Whole wheat pastry flour can be used in place of spelt, or for a gluten-free version you could use rice or amaranth flour. If you can’t find a gluten-free bread for making the crumbs, you can use more 1 more cup ground almonds or other ground nuts such as hazelnuts or cashews and 1 more cup of flour. These days, most health food stores carry a selection of gluten-free breads.
    • I used coconut oil in place of the animal fat that’s traditionally used, but you could use ghee, butter or a vegan "butter" like Earth Balance instead.
    Published 12/09/2009

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