Steamed Cranberry Pudding

Step 1
Dissolve baking soda in hot water in a large bowl. Stir in molasses and 1 tablespoon sugar, then mix in cranberries and flour until well combined. Pour into a greased 6-cup steamer mold.

Step 2
Cover the mold and place it into a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover the steaming pot. Cook over medium heat for 1 hour before checking, but it will take about 1 1/2 hours total. A toothpick inserted into pudding should come out clean. Run a paring knife around the edges to loosen pudding and cool in the mold on a wire rack.

Step 3
Just before serving, make hard sauce: Heat 1 cup sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until heated through and smooth.