method
1. Place dried fruits, mixed peel, almonds, glace cherries, breadcrumbs and the banana into a large bowl and mix. Combine bicarbonate of soda, milk and lemon juice, then stir into mixture. Fold in sifted flour, mixed spice, cinnamon and baking powder. Mix thoroughly.
2. Grease and line eight, half-cup ramekins or heatproof cups, then spoon in the pudding mix. Cover each of the pudding cups with a sheet of greased baking wrap, then with two sheets of greased foil. Tie with wet string. Place the cups in two saucepans of boiling water filled to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the pans and boil steadily for 1 1/4 hours, checking the water level every 10 minutes and topping-up as necessary with boiling water.
3. Remove ramekins from saucepans and allow to stand five minutes. Remove string, foil and paper. Decorate puddings with glace cherries and serve warm with custard.
tip
Puddings can be cooked one week ahead of time, cooled, then sealed in plastic wrap and stored in refrigerator. Reheat (microwave or steam) before serving.
serving amount
makes 8
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