Steamed Apple Pudding

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour (Original recipe calls for 2 cups, adjusted for modern portions)
• 4 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, cold
• 0.75 cup Milk
• 4 medium Apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt, for sprinkling
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground nutmeg, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3Gradually add the milk, mixing with a knife or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. 4Lightly flour a board or clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Place the apple slices in the center of the dough. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples. Bring the dough up and around the apples, pinching the edges to seal. Carefully lift the pudding into a buttered 2-quart mold or a heatproof bowl.
5. 5Cover the mold tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Place the mold in a large pot with enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the mold. Steam for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the water level periodically and add more boiling water as needed.
6. 6Carefully remove the pudding from the pot. Let it cool slightly before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm with vanilla sauce or cold sauce.