Ye olde Cumberland Rum Nicky

• desserts
• pies

Ingredients

Pastry

• 8oz plain flour
• 5oz margarine
• 2 level tablespoons caster sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 level teaspoons granulated sugar

Filling

• 1oz butter
• 2 tablespoons rum
• 4oz chopped dates
• ¾ lb stoned damsons
• 1oz soft dark brown sugar

Method

1. Make pastry using sufficient egg to make soft but not sticky dough (about 3 tablespoons). Wrap in cling film and chill for about 20 minutes.
2. Put butter, rum, dates and damsons in pan. Heat gently until the butter has melted then add brown sugar to taste. Cook gently until damsons are soft (about 5 minutes). Cool.
3. Roll out half pastry and use to line 8 inch pie plate. Wet edges.
4. Spoon filling into centre and put other half of pastry on top. Cut round edge, save scraps and crimp edges.
5. Brush with reserved beaten egg.
6. Roll out scraps and make trellis. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
7. Bake for 35 minutes at gas 5, 375F, 190C until lightly golden. Serve hot or cold with cream.