How to flame a Christmas pudding

How do I flame the Christmas pudding?

1. Turn out the steamed pudding onto a serving plate with a good-sized rim around the edge to catch any spirit.
2. The important thing is to get the spirit really hot. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of brandy, rum or whisky into a long-handled metal ladle and heat it over a gas flame until hot. (If you don’t have a gas stove, heat it in a small saucepan first, then transfer it to the ladle.)
   
3. Light the spirit by tilting the ladle slightly over the gas flame so the fumes ignite, or use a match, then immediately pour it over the pudding. Carefully take it to the table and wait for the flames to go out before serving.

Illustration by Juliet Percival