Christmas Pud

Ingredients
125g sultanas
100g raisins
1 grated cooking apple
100g dried cranberries
100g glace cherries
75g dried apricots (finely chopped)
1 lemon, grated rind and juice
1 orange, grated rind and juice
4 tablespoons brandy
6 tablespoons black beer (or stout)
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
50g vegetable suet
75g plain flour
125g dark brown sugar
75g white breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon treacle
2 medium eggs

Method
1. Combine fruit, alcohol, spices, fruit rind and juices and leave to stand overnight.
2. Mix in suet, flour, sugar and breadcrumbs.
3. Add beaten egg and treacle, and mix well.
4. Transfer to 1.2 litre greased bowl - cover with cling film - cook in microwave on full power for 5 minutes - stand for 5 minutes - cook for a further 3 minutes - stand for 10 minutes.

Status
Cook this every Christmas - need to be careful the mix isn't too sloppy or it stays a bit soggy in the middle - might try splitting it into two smaller bowls this year, and cooking in advance to allow it to mature a day or two. Very tasty and moist, and reheats in the microwave no problem - beats the interminable steaming anyway!