why does aluminium foil not corrode as easily as a sheet of iron?
Too late for this year, you need to make it several weeks, if not months in advance as you have to give time for the alcohol to soak into the fruit etcGet ready for next year by searching the web once the new year is overNB: while the recipe given above is some sort of Christmas Pudding, the majority will include Barley Wine (a strong beer) along with the rum brandy.
Both Aluminum and Iron tend to oxidize, especially in moist airAluminum oxide sticks to the surface of the Aluminum metal providing some protectionIron oxide (rust) tends to flake off the surface of the metal, exposing new metal for the air to oxidize.
Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 8 - 8 ? hours Serves 8-10 175 g (6 oz) plain flour 2 teaspoons ground mixed spice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ? teaspoon grated nutmeg 3/4 cup fresh white breadcrumbs 3/4 cup butter 3/4 cup soft brown sugar 1 1/2 cups sultanas 1 cup raisins 1 cup currants 75 g (3 oz) chopped mixed peel Grated rind and juice of 1 orange 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup brown ale 1Sift the flour and spices into a bowl, add the breadcrumbs, then rub in the butterStir in the sugar, add the remaining ingredients, and mix thoroughly 2Turn into a greased 1.8 litre (3-pint) pudding basin, cover with cheesecloth or greaseproof paper and aluminium foil, and steam for 6 hours, topping up the saucepan with boiling water as necessary 3Cool slightly, then remove the cloth or paper, and leave to cool completelyCover with clean greaseproof paper and aluminium foil, and store in a cool, dry place 4To serve, steam the pudding again for 2-2 ? hoursUnmould on to a warmed serving dishIf liked, pour over 2-3 tablespoons warmed brandy and igniteTop with a sprig of holly and serve with cream or Brandy Butter (see below) A pudding basin is a heatproof bowl that is used to cook sweet or savoury puddings, eg chocolate sponge pudding or steak and kidney puddingPudding basins are available in a range of sizes and can be ceramic, plastic or glass.
