Weigh out the dried fruit into a large bowl. Add strong tea and mix to combine. Leave to soak for at least 4 hours (do overnight if easier)
Add the ground flaxseed and orange juice to the soaked dried fruit and stir well. Leave to thicken slightly.
Weigh out the flour, breadcrumbs, spices, coconut sugar and sliced almonds (if using) in a large bowl.
Finely chop the apple, grate the carrot and orange rind and add them to the bowl. Mix well.
Add the brandy (if using) to the mixed fruit mix.
Lightly grease the inside of the pyrex bowl/s with a couple of squirts of olive oil.
Add the fruit mix to the flour mix and stir thoroughly to make sure everything is well combined. If the family is around, get them to give it a stir and make a wish. Or keep or the wishes to yourself!
Spoon the mix into the prepared bowl and pack it down, pressing with the spoon.
Make sure there's plenty of water in the steamer and put it on the hob to heat.
Wrap the bowl in a double layer of greaseproof paper then wrap again in tin foil. Tie the string around the outside and make a handle - this will help you lift the bowl out of the steamer without burning your fingers.
Place in the steamer and cook for 6 hours. Keep an eye on the water level in the steamer and top up as needed - you don't want it to burn dry or the smoke alarm will go crazy.
Remove from the steamer and leave to cool.
Once cold, peel off the foil and greaseproof paper and replace with fresh. Keep in a cool place.
On Christmas Day, steam again for 2-3 hours before serving.
