**You can do this part on the stove top or in your slow cooker- if doing it in the slow cooker do it on low for about 2 hours**
Place all of the dried fruit, sugar, butter and water in a saucepan (or do it in slow cooker) and simmer for 5-10 minutes past the time the butter has melted. Remove from heat and stir in the bicarb soda. Leave the mixture to cool. (If you used the sc transfer it to a bowl before adding the bicarb)
Stir in the sifted flour, spices, eggs and brandy/ or juice and mix thoroughly (do not do this until the fruit has cooled because it will go lumpy)
Spoon into your greased pudding steamer and smooth the surface, do not overfill because it will rise slightly. And place the lid on firmly.
Place in slow cooker and carefully pour in boiling water half way up the side of the steamer. Put on low for about 6 hours and top with boiling water if necessary.
Stand for (at least) 10 minutes before serving.
(If you wrap this in plastic wrap and then foil it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 months or frozen for 12)