Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert served during the holiday season. It’s a rich, fruity and aromatic pudding that is usually steamed or boiled. Making Christmas pudding at home is a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Here’s a guide on how to make Christmas pudding from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 4 oz. candied peel
- 4 oz. suet (vegetable or beef)
- 4 oz. breadcrumbs
- 2 oz. plain flour
- 1 tsp. mixed spice
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 8 oz. brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup stout or dark beer
- 1/2 cup brandy or rum
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, candied peel, suet, breadcrumbs, flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, stout or dark beer, brandy or rum, and lemon and orange zest and juice.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is combined.
- Grease a 2-quart pudding basin with butter and pour the mixture into the basin.
- Cover the basin with a double layer of buttered greaseproof paper and a layer of foil, then secure the edges with string.
- Place the basin in a large pot or steamer and add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the basin.
- Cover the pot or steamer with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the pudding steam for 6-8 hours, checking occasionally and adding more water if needed.
- Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the pot or steamer and let it cool completely. Store it in a cool, dry place until Christmas Day.
- To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming it for 2-3 hours, then invert it onto a plate and decorate it with holly or other festive decorations.
Once your Christmas pudding is ready, let it cool and store it in a cool, dry place until Christmas day. On the day, you can reheat it by steaming it again for about two hours. Serve with brandy butter or a dollop of whipped cream for a deliciously festive dessert that everyone will love. Don’t forget to make a wish before you start eating – it’s a Christmas tradition!
Making your own Christmas pudding is a wonderful way to create a festive atmosphere in your home. It may seem like a lot of work, but the end result is well worth it. Follow these steps and enjoy a delicious and satisfying Christmas pudding with your family and friends.
