Christmas Puddings

These healthy, low fat puddings are not just for Christmas day. Enjoy as a morning or afternoon tea. Delicious served warm or cold

Makes 10

Ingredients

200g mixed dried fruit

2 Tablespoons [40ml] orange juice, warmed

2 Tablespoons [40ml] brandy

2 Granny Smith apples, grated

2/3 cup [80g] plain wholemeal flour

¼ cup [40g] brown sugar

1 teaspoon mixed spice

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon bicarbonate soda

2/3 cup [35g] fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs

4 Tablespoons [80g] reduced fat margarine, melted

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
2. Spray 10 x 1-cup moulds with oil spray. Line bases with small discs of baking paper
3. Place dried fruit into a bowl with the juice and brandy and soak for one hour, stir occasionally, until fruit has softened. Mix in the apple
4. Sift four, sugar, spice, bicarbonate soda and baking powder into the bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
5. Add dairy spread and eggs and fold together gently until combined.
6. Spoon into moulds and place in a large baking dish. Pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides. Cover dish tightly with alfoil.
7. Bake for one hour or until a skewer comes out clean.
8. Lift puddings out of baking dish and stand for 10 minutes before turning out.
9. Serve with low fat custard or low fat ice cream