Grease and line a 1.5 litre pudding bowl. Cover dried fruit and mixed peel with boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes then drain. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Spoon mixture into pudding bowl, then cover with a double layer of grease-proof paper, plus a single layer of aluminium foil. Tie down securely with string. Place on rack in steamer with sufficient water to reach just over half-way up bowl. Steam for 2½ hours, adding boiling water as required. Serve with custard, cream or ice-cream.