Steamed Persimmon Pudding

3/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. butter
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. pureed ripe persimmon
1 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp. rum (optional)
1/2 c. chopped pecans or raisins (optional)

Mix the persimmon puree and baking soda together and let stand.

Cream together the sugar and butter, then add the egg, milk, vanilla, (rum), and persimmon mixture. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix.

Pour into well-buttered pudding mold or tin can (ie: coffee can). Fill them only 2/3 full.

Place the mold on a trivet in a pan over a few inches of boiling water. Cover the pan and steam over low heat for 2 hours. You will need to add more boiling water as it evaporates.

When a skewer tests clean, it is done. Let stand in the mold uncovered about 15 minutes. Turn onto a plate and let cool, or serve warm with hard sauce or whipped cream.

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.