Paleo Christmas Pudding With Vanilla Custard

Ingredients

• 1 cup Medjool dates (whole, pitted)
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 200 g dried fruit (6-7 oz. mixed)
• 1/2 cup port (or sherry, can be swapped with orange juice)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (rice malt syrup, or molasses (golden syrup can also be used if you want to stick to a more authentic flavour))
• 300 g dates (10 oz. chopped (pits removed))
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon bicarb soda (baking soda)
• 4 eggs (separated)
• 200 g pumpkin (7 oz. mashed, can be swapped with sweet potato)
• 2 cups almond meal
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour (tapioca flour can also be used)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice (like Allspice)
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• Coconut oil for greasing
• Optional: 2 tablespoons brandy/rum for brushing
• 300 ml dairy-free milk (of choice e.g. almond milk, coconut milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (rice malt syrup)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt