Iced Berry Pudding
Method
- Whip the cream in a big bowl so it is softly whipped, then stir in the custard. Put this in the freezer for about an hour and a half, until it is starting to freeze around the edges.
- Meanwhile, put the sugar in a pan with 100ml/31⁄2fl oz rum. Heat slowly until the sugar has dissolved, tip in the fruits, and simmer gently for one minute to plump up the fruit. Pour everything into a wide bowl (so it cools as quickly as possible), and leave until cold (about an hour). Add the extra tablespoon of rum for a bit more kick.
- Stir the cream and custard with a balloon whisk to break it all up, then stir in the cooled fruit. Pour the mixture into a 1.2 litre/ 2 pint pudding basin, cover and freeze overnight until firm (or for up to 1 month).
- To serve, dip the basin quickly into boiling water to loosen the pudding, go round the sides with a round-bladed knife, then turn the pudding out onto a serving plate. Decorate with clusters of frosted bay leaves and grapes (see ‘how to make the decorations’) around the base.
To make the decorations:
- Lay the grapes and bay leaves on kitchen paper on a small tray. Lightly beat 1 egg white, then brush all over the grapes and leaves. Roll or sprinkle with caster sugar to cover, then leave to dry. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.