This is an alternate idea if you don’t really like traditional Christmas puddings.  Most people I have met like a sticky date pudding, and it looks very similar to a Christmas pudding.  This is made in the microwave, so it is very quick and easy.  Serves 8.

Sticky date pudding – gluten free

Pudding:

250g pitted dates, chopped roughly

1 tsp bicarbonate soda

3/4 cup boiling water

3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar

100g butter

2 eggs, beaten

1 cored, peeled and chopped apple

1 cup gluten free self raising flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Butterscotch sauce:

3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar

40g butter

200ml cream

Place dates and bicarbonate soda in a large, microwave safe bowl, pour boiling water over, stir and leave to cool.

Meanwhile, place sugar and butter in a large microwave safe jug and cook for one minute.  Stir apples and butter mixture through the dates, then mix through the flour, cinnamon and eggs, making sure all is well combined.  Microwave, uncovered for 12-13 minutes on medium high (depending on your microwave), cover and keep warm.

Place sauce ingredients in large microwave safe jug (you can use the one you have already used, the ingredients are the same) and cook for 8 minutes, stirring after 6.

Upend pudding on a serving plate, pour a little sauce over so that it dribbles down, put the remainder in a serving jug.

Best served with cream or pouring custard.