Christmas Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Cream the shortening with brown sugar until fluffy in a large bowl.
2. 2
   Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. 3
   Sift dry ingredients together. Add to batter alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
4. 4
   Fold in candied fruits and walnuts.
5. 5
   Pour into a well-greased 8-cup mold.
6. 6
   Cover mold with foil or double thickness of waxed paper.
7. 7
   Fold foil down tightly or fasten with string to hold tightly if waxed paper is used.
8. 8
   Place on rack or trivet in large pan; pour in boiling water to 1/2 the depth of pudding mold. Cover large pan tightly and steam for 2 1/2 hours or until long, thin skewer inserted in center of pudding comes out clean.
9. 9
   Add more boiling water during steaming as needed.
10. 10
    Cool for 5 minutes, then unmold on serving plate.
11. 11
    Spoon 1/2 cup Orange Crystal Sauce over top. Garnish with holly and green and red candied cherries, plus a walnut half, threaded on wooden pick, if desired.
12. 12
    Cut in wedges and serve with additional Orange Crystal Sauce.