CHRISTMAS PUDDING


Serves 6 Preparation time 1 hour

200 grams fresh bread crumbs
200 grams butter
2 teaspoons instant coffee (Nescafe or Bru)
2 teaspoons golden or caramel syrup
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs beaten well
¼ cup rum
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
100 grams raisins
100 grams chopped sultanas
100 grams mixed peel
½ teaspoon salt
100 grams sugar

Cream the butter and sugar together then add the eggs and mix well. Gradually add all the other ingredients and mix well. Grease a Pudding Mould or any suitable bowl with butter. Pour the pudding mixture into it then steam the pudding for about 1 hour on low heat till it is firm to touch.

Note: This pudding can be made in advance and refrigerated till required. Steam for 10 minute or microwave for 3 minutes before serving

CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Serves 6 Preparation time 1 hour

200 grams refined flour or maida
2 eggs
200 grams sugar
200 grams butter
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 tablespoons broken cashew nuts of walnuts

Beat the butter, sugar, eggs, salt, cocoa powder and vanilla essence together till creamy. Add the flour and mix well. If mixture is too thick add a little milk. Pour the mixture into a buttered and floured cake tin and sprinkle the broken cashew nuts or walnuts on the top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in a moderate oven. The top should be brown and crisp.