TRY this fool-proof recipe for the perfect Christmas Pud courtesy of the cooks at M&S, where you can buy all the ingredients you need.

  • 225g/8oz caster sugar;
  • 340g/12oz sultanas;
  • 340g/12oz raisins;
  • 225g/8oz currants;
  • 50g/2oz glace cherries;
  • 110g/4oz plain flour;
  • 1 lemon, zest only;
  • 5 free range eggs, beaten;
  • 1 level tsp ground cinnamon;
  • 1 level tsp mixed spice;
  • 5g/1 level tsp ground nutmeg;
  • Pinch of salt;
  • 150ml/5fl oz French brandy;
  • 55g/2oz flaked almonds

Soak fruit in brandy overnight.

Mix together the ingredients and spoon the mix into a pudding basin.

Put a circle of baking parchment and foil over the top and make a string handle.

Steam the pudding for 6-7 hours.

Remove pudding from steamer and store in a cool, dry place until Christmas day.

On Christmas day reheat the pudding by steaming again for 1-2 hours.

Serve with brandy butter, rum sauce or custard.