The Ultimate Spotted Dick

1. Gather the ingredients.

   

2. In a small bowl mix the raisins, currants, sugar, and lemon rind for the filling.

   

3. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add the suet and the salt and rub together to combine.

   

4. Add a little milk and using a knife to cut through the mixture, add more milk little by little until it comes together.

   

5. Finally use your hands to combine into a soft, elastic dough. Add more milk if necessary.

6. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle about 8 x 12 inches.

   

7. Evenly spread the pudding filling mixture over the dough leaving a 1/2-inch border. Paint this with a little cold water.

   

8. Roll up carefully from the narrow end.

   

9. Soak a clean tea towel or cloth napkin in boiling water for a few minutes. Using tongs, squeeze to remove excess water. (Please be careful doing this!) Then wrap the suet roll pudding in the napkin twisting at each end, securing with kitchen string.

   

10. Steam the pudding roll for 2 hours in a steamer.

    

11. Alternatively, wrap the pudding suet roll in foil and bake in a hot oven (400 F/200 C/Gas 6) for 1 hour 30 mins.

    

12. Unwrap immediately, cut into thick slices, and serve in warmed bowls with lashings of custard.

    

13. Enjoy!

    

Where Does Spotted Dick Get Its Name?