Harrod's Christmas Pudding

Directions

---JUST BEFORE SERVING--- Garnish with holly Ignite with brandy Thickly butter and dust with flour two 1-quart molds (or dome-shaped china, ceramic or glass bowls). Set aside. Beat the ½ pound of butter until soft. Add sugar and beat until fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs and syrup. Sift flour with salt and spices; fold into the butter mixture with the lemon juice, grated rinds, bread crumbs, fruits, mixed peel and brandy. Spoon mixture into the 2 prepared molds. If molds don’t have lids, cover each with a circle of waxed paper, then a piece of foil pleated across the center and securely tied in place. Leave overnight in refrigerator. Put molds in a large saucepan with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the molds. Cover and steam for 5 hours; remove from the water. Let cool completely, then cover with a clean piece of waxed paper and a pudding cloth (muslin or closely woven cheesecloth) secured with a string and ends of the cloth tied in a knot over the pudding mold. Leave in the refrigerator to mature before using. Before serving, steam about 3 hours. Remove from mold. Bring to the table blazing in ‘ignited brandy, and with Christmas holly stuck into the top!