Whisky Figgy Puddings

Method

1. Put the Earl Grey tea bags into a large bowl. Add 150ml boiling water. Leave to steep for 2 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Stir in the whisky, then add the figs, sultanas or raisins and glacé cherries. Stir well, then cover and soak overnight.
2. Next day, stir the panko breadcrumbs, carrots, ground almonds, orange zest, orange juice, mixed spice and sugar into the bowl. Lastly, stir in the beaten eggs.
3. Grease six individual pudding basins with butter. Spoon the fruit mixture into the basins, levelling the tops. Cover the pudding mixture with small circles of baking parchment, then cover the basins tightly with pieces of foil.
4. Steam the puddings for 2 hours, topping up the steamer with extra boiling water as needed.
5. Cool the puddings and replace the pieces of foil with the basin lids. Store in a cool, dark place. To give as gifts, wrap each pudding in muslin and tie with string, with a label to give reheating instructions. To reheat, steam the puddings for 1 hour, or microwave on high for 30 seconds per pudding, allowing them to stand for 2 minutes before serving.
6. Tip: you can cook the puddings in a large saucepan, with enough water to come about a third of the way up the basin sides. Cover the pan and simmer for 2 hours, topping up with boiling water as necessary.