Preparation:
Boil the cloth for a few minutes and then spread it out on a table (use tongs etc. to prevent burning yourself). quickly sprinkle with about a tablespoonful of wholemeal flour and toss the flour to coat the main centre of the cloth quite thickly. Stir the treacle into the eggs and then place into a bowl with all the other ingredients and mix to a stiff consistency with a little water. Place in the centre of the cloth. Bring up the edges and tie with a string, leaving a little space for expansion due to the inclusion of the baking powder. Hold the tied ends and pat the cloth into a round shape. Place the pudding into a pot of boiling water, which should come halfway up the side. Cover and simmer gently for 4 hours. Occasionally check and top up the water if necessary. Once the pudding is cooked plunge it into cold water for about one minute to release it from the cloth. Remove the pudding to a bowl and untie, cover with a plate and reverse it. Peel off the cloth and place the pudding into a hot oven to dry off the skin. Serve hot with any accompaniment to like (custard, brandy butter etc.). Any left-over Clootie dumpling may be sliced and fried, alternatively wrap in foil and re-heat in an oven (if re-heating in a microwave oven do not wrap in foil).
NB. If this dumpling is being made for Christmas or New Year a few silver coins can be added to the mixture (wrapped in foil) for the children to find but be careful when serving to young children! |
