Directions

1. Sift flour, spice and nutmeg into a bowl. Add breadcrumbs, suet, sugar, dried fruit, peel, nuts and rind and mix thoroughly
2. Combine with eggs, brandy or sherry, almond essence and milk. Mix well
3. Divide between two greased and base-lined 1.25 litre (2 pint) pudding basins
4. Cover with buttered greaseproof paper or foil. Pleat once to allow pudding to rise. Secure with string, using extra for a handle
5. Place in a steamer over a saucepan of boiling water and cover. Alternatively, place on a metal trivet in a large saucepan and add boiling water to come half way up the sides of basin. Add pudding and cover
6. Steam for 5-6 hours, replenishing water
7. Remove from steamer, and leave until cold
8. Cover with foil.