Coffee cup Christmas puddings

Instructions

1 Preheat oven to 190°C. Spray coffee cups or ramekins with oil. Set on a baking tray. (Or use lightly greased muffin pans.) In a small saucepan, combine milk, dried fruits and dates. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to soften fruits, then set aside to cool.

2 Meanwhile, place flour, breadcrumbs, peel and sugar in a bowl. Add dry spices and baking powder. Make a well in the centre. In another bowl, combine apple purée, fruit mince, brandy and egg. Pour into dry ingredients.

3 When milk mixture has cooled, stir in spread and baking soda. Using a large metal spoon, gently fold into flour mixture. Take care not to over-mix.

4 Fill cups 3/4 full with batter. Bake puddings for about 25 minutes, until springy and golden.

5 Serve piping hot directly from cup, or run a knife around inside of cup and turn pudding out. Trim off the top, and serve upside down. Drizzle with your favourite sauce or a scoop of low-fat ice cream.