Steamed beef suet apple sponge
1 Generously butter 4 dariole moulds or 1 one litre pudding basin, then line each base with a disc of greaseproof paper.
2 Heat your oven to 175C/Gas Mark 4½. Mix the suet into the self-raising flour and plain flour by hand, then add salt and rub in the sugar. Add a little cold water to make a firm, but not too wet, dough. Set to one side.
3 Mix the diced apple, lemon zest, mixed spice and 1 tablespoon of sugar together in a bowl.
4 On a floured surface, roll four fifths of the dough into a 1cm thick circle to line the basin.
5 Press the dough into the sides of the basin so it feels even, ensuring there are no holes. Then add the apple mix to the lined basin. Roll out the remaining dough and place on the top, pressing the edges to seal.
6 Grease one side of a large piece of foil, then do the same with a piece of greaseproof paper, then wrap both around the basin (foil on the outside), tying at the top with some string. Place in a pot of boiling water so the water reaches halfway up the side of the basin. Cover the pot with a sheet of foil and place in the oven for 3 hours, or 2 hours if you’re making small ones. To serve, remove the foil and paper and tip the pudding out onto a plate, drizzle over warm golden syrup and serve with custard.