My family and I all love comfort food as it makes us feel secure. Recently we were at a pub called the Fforest Inn in Mid Wales and my mum had spotted dick for pud. I was transported straight back in time to school dinners and decided then and there this needs to be on our family menu again. 

I added my own twist because I can never understand a steam pudding that isn’t swimming in syrup of one sort or another! 

My version of Spotted Dick

Serves 6 easily or 2 very greedy teenaged boys!

300g self-raising flour

3 large free-range eggs

1 tsp baking powder

150g butter (softened-place in a bowl at the back of the Aga)

75g caster sugar

120 g currants

1 lemon- zest only

100ml milk

3 table spoons of golden syrup

Packet of custard (or make it yourself but really Ambrosia is just fine plus I have a trick for it to share!)

Method

Place the flour, baking powder, softened butter, eggs, caster sugar, currants and lemon zest in a large bowl and beat together. Now add the milk and whizz again until all combined.

Line a pudding basin with cling film, making sure there is an over hang. 

In the bottom of the pudding basin pour in the syrup.

Now spoon in all the mixed ingredients and cover with more cling film.

Place the pudding basin into a large lidded casserole and fill with 2 inches (5 cm) water.

N.b. If you are not using an Aga you will need to fill the casserole pan up to 2/3 full.

Cover with the lid and place on the boiling plate to bring to the boil. Boil for 4 minutes and then remove to the simmering oven for 1 ½ - 2 hours.

N.b. if not using an Aga you will need to cover with the lid and bring to the boil on the hob, turn down to simmer for 1 ½ hours. Keep an eye on the water level and make sure it doesn’t boil dry. 

To serve

Remove from the casserole and very carefully peel away the top layer of cling film. 

Place a plate upside down on top of the pudding basin. Use a tea towel so as not to burn yourself and flip the plate, with the basin clamped to it, the right way up. The basin will now be upside down on top of the plate. Carefully pull the basin away and watch the syrup run down the sides of your steamed spotted dick. 

Serve with custard, ice cream or cream. 

Custard Tip: Buy a packet of custard…the tetra pack sort. Loosen the top where it is folded down by lifting the triangle tabs up and give it a squeeze so the top is standing up. Pop it, as it is, in the simmering oven when you put your pudding in and it’ll be ready to serve at the same time as the pud! (no washing up).