Christmas Pudding with Nutmeg Sauce

Name: Christmas Pudding with Nutmeg Sauce
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Yield: 8 servings (1/2 cup sauce).
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 1/2 cup molasses; 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped; 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries; 1/2 cup chopped dates; SAUCE:; 1/3 cup sugar; 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup boiling water; 1/2 teaspoon butter; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 35 min. Cook: 2 hours YIELD: 8 servings (1/2 cup sauce).

An adaptation of the traditional holiday staple, my fruity plum pudding stays true to those time-honored rustic flavors.—Deb Thompson, Lincoln, Nebraska

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup molasses
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 cup chopped dates
SAUCE:
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon butter
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, milk and molasses. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in apple, raisins, cherries and dates.
2. Pour into a well-greased 6-cup pudding mold or metal gelatin mold. Cover with foil. Place on a rack in a deep kettle. Add 1 in. of boiling water to kettle; cover and boil gently until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 2 to 2-1/2 hours, replacing water as needed. Let stand 5 minutes before unmolding.
3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in water until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and nutmeg. Unmold pudding onto a serving plate; cut into wedges. Serve warm with sauce.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice with 1 tablespoon sauce: 469 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.