New Year's Pudding

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a pudding mold or baking dish with butter (¼ cup).

2In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar (½ cup), milk (½ cup), eggs (2), butter (¼ cup), vanilla extract (½ teaspoon), nutmeg (¼ teaspoon), cinnamon (¼ teaspoon), and salt (¼ teaspoon). Mix well until smooth.

3Add the raisins (½ cup), walnuts, dates, apricots, figs, and candied cherries to the batter. Stir to combine evenly.

4Pour the brandy (½ cup) over the mixture and stir gently to incorporate the flavors.

5Transfer the pudding mixture into the greased mold or baking dish.

6Cover the mold with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking pan. Fill the pan with hot water to create a water bath around the pudding.

7Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pudding is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before unmolding onto a serving plate.

9Serve the New Year's Pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of custard sauce.

10Enjoy this festive and flavorful dessert to celebrate the New Year!