Mrs. Reagan s Persimmon Pudding

1 cup white sugar

½ cup butter, melted

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup persimmon pulp, pureed

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons warm water

7 tablespoons brandy

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 cup raisins

½ cup chopped walnuts

1 egg

½ cup butter, melted

1 cup sifted confectioners sugar

salt to taste

1 tablespoon brandy flavoring

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Stir together sugar and melted butter. Resift flour with salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add to butter mixture. Stir in persimmon pulp. Dissolve baking soda in warm water. Add to mixture with 3 tablespoons brandy and vanilla. Add eggs, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Add raisins and walnuts, stirring just until mixed.

Turn into buttered 5 to 6 cup heat-proof mold. Cover and place on rack in large pot. Pour in enough boiling water to reach halfway up sides of mold. Cover pot and simmer 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Let stand a few minutes.

Unmold onto serving dish. Pour about 4 tablespoons warmed brandy over pudding and flame. Serve with Brandy Whipped Cream Sauce.

Prepare the brandy whipped cream sauce by beating the egg until light and fluffy. Beat in butter, confectioners sugar, salt and brandy flavoring. Whip cream until stiff. Gently fold into egg mixture. Cover and chill.