Traditional Victorian Christmas Pudding - Lavender and Lovage

Ingredients

• 450g/1 lb raisins
• 4 tablespoons brandy or rum
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 450g/1 lb butter, softened
• 115g/4 oz soft brown sugar
• 375g/12 oz fresh breadcrumbs or cake crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 50g/2 oz ground almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mixed spice
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 50g/2 oz flaked almonds
• 50g/2 oz citrus peels, finely chopped
• 50g/2 oz dates, pitted
• 225g/8 oz sultanas
• 225g/8 ounces currants
• 8 fluid ounces stout, such as Guinness