As Delia Smith says: "If the Winter weather is getting you down or you're feeling grey or sad, I'm certain a steamed treacle sponge will put you right in no time at all. It takes moments to prepare, will steam away happily to itself without needing attention, and is the ultimate in comfort foods"

Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients

To serve

Equipment

You will also need a well-buttered 2-pint (1.2 litre) pudding basin, and a double sheet of foil measuring 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30 cm).

Method

First of all butter the basin then measure 3 tablespoons of golden syrup into it (grease the spoon first). Now take a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and baking powder into it, add the softened butter, eggs, sugar and black treacle. Then use an electric hand whisk (or a large fork and a lot of elbow grease) and beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it's thoroughly blended.

Now spoon the mixture into the basin, use the back of a spoon to level the top, then place the foil over, making a pleat in the centre. Then pull it down the outside of the basin, and tie string round the rim, taking it over the top and tying it on the other side to make yourself a handle for lifting. Then trim off the excess foil all the way round. Now place the pudding in a steamer fitted over a saucepan of boiling water and steam for two hours, checking the water level halfway through.

To serve, loosen the pudding all round using a palette knife, invert it onto a warmed plate, and pour another 3 tablespoons of golden syrup (warmed if you like) over the top before taking it to the table. Serve with custard or some well chilled crème fraîche.