Malvern pudding
There are three versions of this pudding all using apples which are extensively grown in the county of Worcestershire. One, dated 1883, is a traditional steamed pudding. Another, dated 1855, suggests a dish very similar to an apple charlotte and yet another, dated 1979, involves mixing cooked apple with a custard in a pie dish, covering with demerara sugar and grilling until the sugar caramelises. The following recipe is the 1883 version which may have its origins at an earlier time and been passed from household to household before being published in cookbooks.
Equipment
Weighing scales
Measuring jug
1 litre pudding basin
Large mixing bowl
Baking paper
Kitchen foil
String
Large lidded saucepan
Preparation method
Grease the pudding basin with butter and place a buttered disc of baking paper in the bottom of the basin. This is to ensure the top of your pudding won’t stick when you turn it out.
Place all the ingredients except the eggs in the large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
Add the eggs and stir into the other ingredients thoroughly.
Place the mixture into the prepared pudding basin and cover with a disc of buttered baking paper.
Make a pleat in a piece of kitchen foil and cover the basin with it ensuring you place the pleat at the centre of the basin. Secure the foil with string tied round the edge of the basin, ensuring you create a ‘handle’ with which you can remove the pudding from the hot water.
Place the pudding in a large-lidded saucepan and fill with boiling water two thirds up the sides of the pudding basin.
Cover the saucepan and steam for 2 hours making sure you check the level of the water and top up from the kettle if necessary.
Allow to cool slightly before removing from the hot water and turning out onto a serving dish.
Tip: To make breadcrumbs, the best way is to place chunks of bread into a blender and whizz. You may need to turn the blender off occasionally and push the bread pieces down with a wooden spoon.
For tips and step-by-step instructions, see my guide on making puddings using a basin or mould. 
