Classic Christmas Pudding

It is difficult to imagine that our present-day Christmas pudding has its origins in a medieval porridge, or pottage, as it was once called! It was the Victorians who introduced the dried vine fruits and candied peel that are used today. I think prunes are marvellous in Christmas puddings, and this recipe includes pitted prunes and prune flakes. The latter is a useful baking ingredient as it provides fibre and a rich dark colour. Concentrated apple juice is used as a sweetener, together wit