Microwaveable Gluten-free Christmas Pudding
Serves: 8
Cost CuttingEco FriendlyGluten Free
Run out of time to make your Christmas pudding - don't despair, this one can be made a few days before Christmas‚ stored in the refrigerator and produced on the important day!

Ingredients:
300g luxury mixed fruit25g cranberries, dried (cherries could be used)
1 orange, zest and juice (100ml), plus 100ml water
50ml brandy
1 dessert apple, small, grated
3 Schär Brown Ciabatta Rolls, made into breadcrumbs or 150g Schär Wholesome White Loaf
1tsp mixed spice
50g dark muscovado sugar
25g hazelnuts, roughly chopped
50g almonds, blanched, roughly chopped
85g vegetarian suet, grated straight from the fridge
1 free-range egg, large, beaten
1 tbsp black treacle
method:
- Put the dried fruit, orange zest, juice and water into a large mixing bowl, microwave on full power for 3 minutes.
- Pour over the brandy, cover and leave to soak in a cool place for 2hrs to allow the flavours to develop.
- Add the grated apple, breadcrumbs, mixed spice, sugar and nuts, mix together with a wooden spoon, add the suet in 3 batches and stir well after each batch, then add the egg and treacle and mix again not forgetting to make your wish!
- Grease a 1.2 lt (2pt) plastic pudding basin. Spoon the mixture into the prepared basin and level with the back of a spoon. Cover the top loosely with clingfilm, leaving a small hole for breathing. Cook on medium 10 minutes, stand for five minutes then cook on medium for a further 8 -10 minutes, if eating immediately stand for a further two minutes or when cold wrap in clingfilm and foil and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. (Cooking times may vary according to the type of basin and microwave).