Christmas: Rich Fruit Pudding

125g butter

375g mixed driedfruit

juice and rind of½ orange

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon groundcinnamon

½ teaspoon groundnutmeg

2 teaspoonsmarmalade

1 teaspoonbicarbonate of soda

½ cup sherry (orpineapple juice)

½ cup water

1 apple, coredand coarsely grated

30g darkchocolate, chopped

2 eggs, lightlywhisked

1 cup plain flour

1 cupself-raising flour

Spray in side theslow cooker with cooking oil or grease well.

Place butter, dried fruit, orange juice and rind, sugar, spices, marmalade, bicarbonate of soda, sherry, water and apple in a large saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring often.  Simmer for 1 minute.  Stir in chocolate until melted. Remove from the heat and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Quickly mix in eggs andflour until well combined, then pour into the cooker.

Place the lid on the cooker and cook for 4-5 hours on Low until the centre of the pudding is firm to touch.

Serve with custard.

Source: Thecomplete slow cooker by Sally Wise, published by ABC books