To make pudding, stir together butter and sugar. Resift flour with salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and add to butter and sugar mixture. Add persimmon pulp, baking soda dissolved in warm water, brandy and vanilla.Add eggs, mixing thoroughly but lightly. Add raisins, pecans and orange peel, stirring until mixed. Turn into buttered steam-type (about 5- to 6-cup) covered mold. Cover and steam on a rack in a pot of water on top of stove 2 1/2 hours. Let stand a few minutes, then unmold onto a serving plate. Flame at table with additional brandy and serve with Brandy Whipped Cream Sauce. Makes 8 servings.Brandy Whipped Cream Sauce:Beat 1 egg until light and fluffy. Beat in1/3 cup melted butter, 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, dash salt and 1 tablespoon brandy flavoring. Beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream until stiff. Gently fold whipped cream into butter mixture. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Stir before spooning onto pudding.
