CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Ingredients :
2 cups of sifted flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of allspice
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon of cloves
1/2 cup of butter
1/2 cup of sugar
4 eggs
1 lb. of dates, chopped
Oil
Sugar
Method :
Roll cooking oil in two, 1 pound coffee tins, drain and sprinkle inside with sugar.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and cloves.
Cream the butter and sugar together with a mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Add the dates and beat well. Blend in the dry ingredients.
Turn the batter into the prepared coffee cans.
Place several layers of aluminum foil on the tops and tie securely with string.
Place the cans on a rack in a large kettle and add boiling water to a depth of 3/4 the height of the cans.
Cover the kettle and gently boil the puddings for 3 hours, replenishing the water as needed.
Turn out onto a rack to cool.
They may be frozen, or stored for several weeks in the refrigerator.
FOR THE SAUCE :
Ingredients :
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1/2 cup of sugar
1 cup of hot water
1 egg, beaten
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons of butter
Red and green Maraschino cherries
Pineapple chunks
Raisins
Pecans
Sugar cubes
Lemon extract
Method :
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch.
Add the hot water, beaten egg and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Drop in the butter and stir until melted.
Add the fruit and pecans.
Pour the sauce into a serving container.
Drop the sugar cubes briefly in lemon extract.
Place the pudding on a serving platter and surround with the sugar cubes, placing several on top of the pudding.
Light the cubes, and bring the flaming pudding to the table.
Slice the pudding, spoon on the sauce, and top with Cool Whip.
