Instructions

For the rhubarb filling

1. Slice the rhubarb thickly.
2. Place the rhubarb into a large saucepan, together with the sugar and water.
3. Cook over medium heat until the rhubarb has softened but still retains some of its shape. Stir frequently to make sure the rhubarb is not sticking to the pan, and to gently break up the rhubarb.
4. The rhubarb mixture should be relatively thin (i.e. not a thick mixture). If not, add a splash or two of water so that the rhubarb filling is more on the wet side than dry.
5. Taste the rhubarb to see if you need to add more sugar.
6. Pour the rhubarb into a baking dish. I generally use one which measures 23 cm/9 inches in diameter or which has a 1 litre (4 cup) capacity.

For the cake topping

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/360°F (without fan).
2. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract.
4. Beat in one egg at a time, followed by a tablespoon of the flour to prevent the batter from curdling.
5. Add the remaining flour and baking powder, as well as the milk.
6. Beat everything together until you have a thick and smooth batter.

To bake the Blushing Betty

1. Dollop the batter on top of the rhubarb in the baking dish.
2. Use a spatula or palette knife to evenly spread the batter. Don’t worry about stretching the batter to completely cover the rhubarb – the batter will spread as it bakes in the oven.
3. Sprinkle the batter generously with demerera sugar and flaked almonds.
4. Bake the pudding on the middle shelf of the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is lightly golden and set in the centre.
5. Check the pudding at about 25 minutes to make sure it is not browning too quickly. If necessary, loosely cover it with a piece of foil.
6. Serve warm with vanilla ice-cream or custard.