Put

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup mixed fruit (or mixture of sultanas, currants and raisins)
  • 1 handfull of chopped cherries, chopped almonds and chopped dates

in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil and add 1 teaspoons baking soda until it fluffs up. Cool.

Add

  • 1 cup SR flour
  • 1 cup mixed spice
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • pinch salt
  • ½ cup rum, stirring well.

Pour into a well-greased pudding steamer and steam for two hours. Serve with custard or brandy sauce.