Newfoundland Berry Duff

The downs in the vicinity of the film location for The Auk are covered with abundant blueberries and partridgeberries. The low growing purple and crimson foliage seen in the film are the leaves of these plants. The following steamed (the true traditional number is boiled in a pudding bag) pudding is known in Newfoundland as a "duff'. Variants use bread-crumbs instead of flour. It is served with a sauce made of brown sugar melted in butter and thickened with a little cornstarch. Just before serving, a splash of dark rum on the pudding is recommended. The remaining rum should be consumed later in the evening, ideally in the company of people who can sing or tell huge fat lies.

Mix ¼ cup shortening or butter, 2/3 cup of sugar, one beaten egg, 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 cups of berries (frozen work just fine) a dash of vanilla, a pinch of salt. Steam for one hour. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving