Christmas Plum Pudding

Authentic Christmas Plum Pudding Recipe from England with Raisins and Almond Extract

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 6 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Christmas Plum Pudding is a traditional British dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. This rich and decadent pudding is filled with dried fruits, spices, and a touch of alcohol, making it a festive and indulgent treat for the whole family to enjoy.

History

The origins of Christmas Plum Pudding can be traced back to medieval England, where it was originally known as "plum porridge." Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of dried fruits, spices, and suet, eventually becoming the beloved dessert we know today. Plum pudding became a popular Christmas tradition in the 17th century and has remained a staple holiday dessert ever since.

Ingredients

3 cups of crumbs from good quality white bread, lightly packed (about 0.5 loaf)
1 cup each of raisins, yellow raisins, and currants, chopped
1.33 cups of sugar
0.5 tsp each of mace, cinnamon, and nutmeg
8 oz (227 g) of melted butter
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 dash of almond extract
0.5 cup of bitter orange marmalade

For serving

0.5 cup of rum or bourbon, heated slightly before serving
2 cups of Zabaglione sauce
holly sprigs to garnish (optional)

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, toss the crumbs along with the two types of raisins, currants, sugar, and spices.
Then, toss with the melted butter and all remaining ingredients except for the holly, rum/bourbon, and Zabaglione.
Taste for seasoning and add more if needed.
Pack the mixture into the container and cover it with a round of wax paper and a lid.
Place the container on a steaming device and add enough water to come up 0.33 up the sides of the pudding container.
Cover the kettle tightly, bring it to a simmer, and let it steam for 6 hours, checking the water level now and then.
The pudding is done when it turns dark walnut brown in color and becomes fairly firm to touch.
Let the pudding cool and then store it in a wine cellar or the fridge.
At least two hours before serving, re-steam the pudding.
Unmold the pudding onto a hot flameproof serving platter and decorate it with the holly.
Bring the pudding to the table along with the warmed booze and pour the booze around the pudding.
Ignite the pudding and let it flame.
Serve the pudding with the Zabaglione.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or candied peel for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the bourbon with brandy or rum for a different twist.
Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or cloves for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly grease the pudding container before adding the mixture to prevent sticking.

- Steaming the pudding for a long period of time is essential to achieve the rich and dense texture.

- Allow the pudding to cool completely before storing it to ensure it sets properly.

- Re-steaming the pudding before serving helps to reheat it evenly and maintain its moistness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Plum Pudding warm with a dollop of Zabaglione sauce and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Garnish with holly sprigs for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the traditional method of cooking Christmas Plum Pudding, as it helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the ingredients. Make sure to check the water level periodically to prevent the pudding from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version of the pudding.

- Replace the butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

- Omit the alcohol for a non-alcoholic version of the pudding.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Plum Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week before serving. Simply re-steam the pudding before serving to heat it through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Plum Pudding on a decorative platter surrounded by holly sprigs for a festive presentation. For an extra touch of elegance, dust the pudding with powdered sugar before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Christmas Plum Pudding pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee, as well as a glass of dessert wine or port. The rich and fruity flavors of the pudding complement the sweet and aromatic notes of these beverages.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Christmas Plum Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, simply steam the pudding for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Plum Pudding is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and calcium due to the dried fruits and spices used in the recipe.

Alergens

Christmas Plum Pudding contains gluten from the bread crumbs and eggs, as well as nuts from the almond extract. It may also contain traces of dairy from the butter.

Summary

Christmas Plum Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with gluten or nut allergies.

Summary

Christmas Plum Pudding is a classic holiday dessert that is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and festive presentation. Whether served with a flaming touch or enjoyed on its own, this decadent pudding is a delightful treat for the holiday season.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a cold winter's day, just a few days before Christmas. I was rummaging through an old trunk in the attic, looking for some decorations to put up around the house. As I sifted through the clutter, I came across a dusty old cookbook that had belonged to my great-grandmother.

Curiosity piqued, I blew off the dust and opened the book to find a handwritten recipe for Christmas Plum Pudding. The pages were yellowed with age, and the ink was faded, but I could make out the ingredients and instructions clearly. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as memories of my great-grandmother flooded back to me.

She was a wonderful cook, and I remembered spending many hours in her warm kitchen, watching her work her magic with pots and pans. She had a talent for creating delicious dishes out of the simplest ingredients, and her Christmas Plum Pudding was legendary in our family.

I knew I had to try my hand at making the pudding, to honor my great-grandmother's memory and to bring a taste of tradition to our Christmas celebration. So, I carefully copied down the recipe, making sure to get every detail just right.

The next day, I set to work in my own kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following the instructions to the letter. The house was filled with the warm, spicy scent of cinnamon and nutmeg as the pudding steamed on the stove. I couldn't help but smile as I thought of my great-grandmother, looking down on me from above, proud of my efforts.

As the pudding cooled, I prepared the brandy sauce to serve alongside it. The rich, velvety sauce added the perfect finishing touch to the dish, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

On Christmas Day, as we gathered around the table for our festive meal, I brought out the Christmas Plum Pudding with a flourish. The pudding was dark and moist, studded with plump, juicy raisins and almonds. The brandy sauce glistened on top, adding a touch of decadence to the dish.

As my family dug into the pudding, their faces lit up with delight. The pudding was a hit, just as I knew it would be. My grandmother was beaming with pride, and I felt a warm sense of satisfaction knowing that I had successfully recreated a family tradition.

From that day on, Christmas Plum Pudding became a staple of our holiday celebrations. Each year, I would make a batch of pudding, following the same recipe that had been passed down through generations. It became a symbol of our family's history and a way to remember those who had come before us.

As I look back on that moment in the attic, discovering the recipe for Christmas Plum Pudding, I am filled with gratitude for my great-grandmother and the legacy she left behind. Her love of cooking and dedication to preserving family traditions have inspired me to continue the tradition and pass it on to future generations.

And so, every Christmas, as I serve up a steaming plate of Christmas Plum Pudding with brandy sauce, I am reminded of the love and memories that bind us together as a family. The recipe may have come from a dusty old cookbook, but the joy it brings to my loved ones is as fresh and vibrant as ever.