Dicken's Plum Pudding

2 tbsp. sugar
4 c. soft white bread cubes
1 c. flour
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 c. orange juice
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/3 c. brandy
3 tbsp. dark molasses
2 eggs
3/4 c. raisins
1/2 c. currants
Hard sauce

Generously grease 8-cup ring baking dish. Coat bottom and side with sugar. Place remaining ingredients except Hard Sauce in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer 2 minutes or until blended, scraping bowl occasionally. Spoon into dish. Cover with plastic wrap.

Place on inverted saucer in oven. Microwave on medium 12 to 17 minutes or until pudding pulls away from edge of dish and wooden pick comes out clean. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Invert on serving dish. Top with Hard Sauce.

HARD SAUCE:

1 egg yolk
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1 to 2 tbsp. rum or brandy
1 whipped egg white
1/2 c. whipped cream

Beat egg yolk with powdered sugar and rum or brandy. Fold in whipped egg white and whipped cream.