Spotted Dick

Instructions

1. Prepare the steamer
   Grease a 1-liter pudding basin with butter and place a small circle of greaseproof paper at the bottom. Fill a large pot with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the pudding basin and bring to a simmer.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, suet, sugar, salt, currants, sultanas, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
3. Add wet ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until you have a soft, dropping consistency.
4. Fill the basin
   Spoon the mixture into the prepared pudding basin. It should fill about three-quarters of the basin. Cover the top with a pleated piece of greaseproof paper and then a pleated piece of aluminum foil, securing with string around the rim.
5. Steam the pudding
   Lower the pudding basin into the simmering water. The water should come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with a lid and steam for 1 hour 30 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the water hasn't boiled dry. Add more boiling water if necessary.
6. Test for doneness
   After the steaming time, remove the pudding from the pot. Insert a skewer into the center – it should come out clean when the pudding is done. Let it stand for 5 minutes before unmolding.
7. Serve warm
   Carefully turn the pudding out onto a serving plate. Cut into generous slices and serve immediately with warm custard poured over the top.