Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. Measure 1 cup of mixed dried fruits, ½ cup of chopped nuts, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, and other dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

In the same bowl, add ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Use a wooden spoon to mix these ingredients until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk 2 eggs until they are well beaten. Slowly pour in ¼ cup of melted butter and ½ cup of milk while continuously whisking to combine smoothly. Add in the zests of 1 lemon and 1 orange, mixing thoroughly.

Carefully pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold them together until just combined; take care not to over-mix.

If you’re choosing to use brandy, now is the time to fold in ¼ cup gently into the mixture.

Grease a pudding basin thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared basin, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Take a piece of parchment paper and cover the top of the pudding basin tightly. Use kitchen twine to secure it in place.

Place the pudding basin in a large pot filled with boiling water, making sure the water comes up about halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot and steam the pudding for 2-3 hours.

After 2-3 hours, carefully remove the pudding from the pot with tongs and let it cool completely on a wire rack.