Spotted Dick
Ingredients:
**For the Pudding:**
- 175g (6 oz) self-raising flour
- 125g (4.5 oz) suet (beef or vegetable)
- 100g (3.5 oz) caster sugar
- 100g (3.5 oz) dried currants or raisins
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 150ml (5 fl oz) milk
- 50g (1.75 oz) chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
**For Steaming:**
- Extra flour for dusting
- A piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper for covering
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Steamer:** Set up a large pot or steamer with boiling water to steam the pudding. You'll need to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and any optional spices (nutmeg and cinnamon). Stir in the suet, sugar, and dried fruit.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Beat the egg and milk together in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped crystallized ginger.
4. **Prepare the Pudding:** Lightly flour a pudding basin or a heatproof bowl. Spoon the mixture into the basin, leveling the top.
5. **Cover and Steam:** Cover the basin with a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil, securing it with string or a rubber band. Place the basin in the steamer or pot with simmering water, making sure the water reaches halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. **Serve:** Once cooked, remove the pudding from the steamer and let it sit for a few minutes. Turn it out onto a serving plate and serve with custard or a sauce of your choice.
Enjoy your classic Spotted Dick!