_Ingredients._—2 lbs. of rump-steak, 2 kidneys, seasoning to taste of
salt and black pepper, suet crust made with milk (_see_ Pastry), in the
proportion of 6 oz. of suet to each 1 lb. of flour. _Mode._—Procure
some tender rump-steak (that which has been hung a little time), and
divide it into pieces about an inch square, and cut each kidney into
8 pieces. Line the dish with crust made with suet and flour in the
above proportion, leaving a small piece of crust to overlap the edge.
Then cover the bottom with a portion of the steak and a few pieces of
kidney; season with salt and pepper (some add a little flour to thicken
the gravy, but it is not necessary), and then add another layer of
steak, kidney, and seasoning. Proceed in this manner till the dish is
full, when pour in sufficient water to come within 2 inches of the top
of the basin. Moisten the edges of the crust, cover the pudding over,
press the two crusts together, that the gravy may not escape, and turn
up the overhanging paste. Wring out a cloth in hot water, flour it, and
tie up the pudding; put it into boiling water, and let it boil for at
least 4 hours. If the water diminishes, always replenish with some hot
in a jug, as the pudding should be kept covered all the time, and not
allowed to stop boiling. When the cloth is removed, cut out a round
piece in the top of the crust, to prevent the pudding bursting, and
send it to table in the basin, either in an ornamental dish, or with
a napkin pinned round it. Serve quickly. _Time._—For a pudding with
2 lbs. of steak and 2 kidneys allow 4 hours. _Average cost_, 2_s._
8_d._ _Sufficient_ for 6 persons. _Seasonable_ all the year, but more
suitable in winter.
_Note._—Rump-steak pudding may be very much enriched by adding a few
oysters or mushrooms. In Sussex, the inhabitants are noted for their
savoury puddings, which are usually made in the manner just described.
It differs from the general way of making them, as the meat is cut up
into very small pieces and the basin is differently shaped, resembling
a very large saucer: on trial, this pudding will be found far nicer,
and more full of gravy, than when laid in large pieces in the dish.