Christmas Pudding
Ingredients
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
1 cup (250 mL) boiling waterÂ
1 cup (250 mL) grape juice
1 cup (250 mL) molasses
1 cup (250 mL) virgin olive oil
1 large egg
3 cups (750 mL) flour
1/2 cup (125 mL) brown sugar
3/4 tsp (3 mL) salt
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
1 tsp (5 mL) nutmeg
1 tsp (5 mL) ginger
1 cup (250 mL) dates
1 cup (250 mL) raisins
1 cup (250 mL) currents
1 cup (250 mL) walnuts or pecans
1 cup (250 mL) packaged fruitcake-style mixed fruit
1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder (optional; it makes a lighter pudding)
whipped cream or ice cream
Directions
In a medium bowl, dissolve baking soda in boiling water. Add grape juice, molasses, oil and egg. Stir.
In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Stir in wet ingredients, which should be fairly easy to pour. If necessary, add more flour or water to final mixture.
Wrap mixture in cheesecloth, leaving room for expansion. Place in a steamer over hot water. Bring water to a boil; reduce heat to very low. Steam for 3 hours. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.