While the name might suggest a misplaced article on sexual health advice, for those who aren't in the know, spotted dick actually refers to THE classic British dessert. Loaded with calories, heavy, and yet oh-so-heavenly. It can be made in a more traditional 'roly-poly' presentation, or, as it's more common, in a round pudding mould. Either way, the taste doesn't change. The name apparently derives from the Dutch and German words for dough (deeg and teig), and of course the spotted element comes from the appearance of the raisins.
(serves 6)
Ingredients: 225g self-raising flour, 115g suet, 55g caster sugar, 140g raisins, 1 lemon rind, 155ml milk, 2tbsp butter, and for the custard: 425ml single cream, 4 egg yolks, 3tbsp caster sugar, and vanilla extract.
Method: Mix together the flour, suet, sugar, raisins, and lemon rind. Add the milk and form a soft dough. Then either roll out on to a floured surface to roll into a roly-poly, or pour into a pudding mould. Wrap/cover with foil, and place either above a boiling water source, or on a rack above boiling water in the oven. Steam for 1-1 and a half hours, consistently checking the water levels. For the custard: heat the cream in a small source pan, and simmer. Cream the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract in a measuring jug. Add the hot cream to the jug, stir, and return the mixture to the pan. Serve warm with generous amounts of custard.
Tips: Perfect custard = a secret blend of single cream and milk!
Music: 'Glad All Over', by Dave Clark Five - Good old British rock and roll.
