Steamed Sponge Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Cream butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. 2
   Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. 3
   Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and ginger.
4. 4
   Add all but the 2 tablespoons of dry ingredients alternately with milk; mix gently.
5. 5
   Mix the remaining ingredients with the dried fruit and fold into the batter.
6. 6
   Pour batter into well-greased 1 1/2-quart mold.
7. 7
   Cover with lid or foil.
8. 8
   Set on rack in pan of boiling water with water extended 2/3 of the way up.
9. 9
   Steam for 1 1/2 hours, replenishing water as needed.
10. 10
    Unmold and serve warm with hard sauce.