Citrus Christmas Pudding

Citrus Christmas Pudding Recipe from the United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 8 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Citrus Christmas Pudding is a traditional holiday dessert that is rich in flavor and perfect for the festive season. This pudding is packed with dried fruits, spices, and citrus flavors that make it a delicious and comforting treat for the holidays.

History

Christmas pudding has been a popular dessert in England since the 14th century. Originally known as "plum pudding," it was traditionally made with dried fruits, suet, spices, and breadcrumbs. Over the years, different variations of the pudding have emerged, including the Citrus Christmas Pudding, which adds a refreshing citrus twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

3 oz (85 g) plain flour, sifted
2 tsp ground mixed spice
0.5 tsp salt
4 oz (113 g) fresh white breadcrumbs
3 oz (85 g) light brown sugar
6 oz (170 g) sultanas
6 oz (170 g) currants
6 oz (170 g) raisins
1 oz (28 g) mixed peel
4 oz (113 g) shredded suet
finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange
2 medium eggs, beaten
5 fl oz (148 ml) stout
2 tbsp orange liqueur or extra orange juice

How to prepare

Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Spoon the mixture into a greased 2 pt (946 ml) pudding basin.
Cover with two rounds of pleated greaseproof paper and tie securely with string.
Cover with pleated foil.
Place the pudding on an upturned saucer in a large pan.
Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the basin.
Cover and steam for 5 hours, topping up with water when needed.
Cool and re-cover with greaseproof paper.
Store in a cool dry place.
To serve, steam as before for 3 hours, then turn out onto a warmed serving plate and flame with brandy if desired.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Substitute the stout with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version of the pudding.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the pudding.

- Steaming the pudding for a long period of time helps to develop the rich flavors and textures of the dessert.

- Store the pudding in a cool, dry place to allow the flavors to mature and develop over time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Citrus Christmas Pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the pudding helps to develop the rich flavors and textures of the dessert, creating a moist and delicious pudding.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable suet instead of traditional suet for a vegetarian version of the pudding.

- Substitute the mixed peel with chopped candied ginger for a spicy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

The Citrus Christmas Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dry place for up to a month before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Turn out the pudding onto a warmed serving plate and flame with brandy for a dramatic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Citrus Christmas Pudding with a glass of mulled wine or a cup of hot tea for a cozy and festive dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, steam the pudding for 1-2 hours until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Citrus Christmas Pudding contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

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

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

Citrus Christmas Pudding is a good source of vitamin C from the citrus fruits used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and breadcrumbs, as well as suet which may contain traces of soy.

Summary

Citrus Christmas Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a great source of energy and provides a delicious treat for the holiday season.

Summary

Citrus Christmas Pudding is a classic holiday dessert that is rich in flavor and perfect for the festive season. This indulgent pudding is packed with dried fruits, spices, and citrus flavors that make it a delicious and comforting treat for the holidays.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Citrus Christmas Pudding. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margret in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was enveloped in the warm and inviting scent of holiday spices.

Margret greeted me with a smile and handed me a cup of steaming hot tea. "I have something special to share with you today," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. She reached into her recipe box and pulled out a faded piece of paper covered in handwritten notes.

"This is my grandmother's recipe for Citrus Christmas Pudding," Margret explained. "It's been passed down through generations, and I thought you might enjoy making it for your family this holiday season."

I eagerly took the recipe from her hands, marveling at the elegant cursive handwriting and the detailed instructions. As I read through the ingredients list – flour, sugar, citrus zest, spices, and dried fruit – I could already taste the rich and decadent flavors of the pudding in my mind.

Margret and I spent the afternoon preparing the pudding together, mixing and stirring the batter with care and love. As we worked, she regaled me with stories of her childhood Christmases, filled with laughter, joy, and delicious homemade treats.

After hours of patient waiting, the pudding was finally ready to be served. I carefully unmolded it onto a festive platter, where it sat gleaming and fragrant, the perfect centerpiece for our holiday table.

As my family gathered around to taste the pudding, their eyes widened in delight at the sight and smell of the dessert. Each bite was a symphony of flavors – the tangy citrus, the warm spices, the sweet dried fruit – all melding together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, Citrus Christmas Pudding became a beloved tradition in our household. Every year, I would make it for our Christmas feast, sharing the recipe with friends and neighbors who marveled at its unique and delicious taste.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of citrus fruits, spices, and liqueurs. Each iteration was a delightful surprise, a new and exciting variation on an old favorite.

I learned to make Citrus Christmas Pudding not just from Margret's recipe, but from the memories and traditions that surrounded it. It became a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.

As I sit here now, many years later, with my own grandchildren gathered around the table, I can't help but feel a warm and nostalgic glow in my heart. The recipe for Citrus Christmas Pudding may have come from Margret's grandmother, but it has become a part of my own family's story, a treasured heirloom to be passed down for generations to come.

And as we savor each delicious bite of pudding, I know that the spirit of the holiday season – of love, joy, and togetherness – lives on in every mouthful. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it is a reminder of the simple pleasures and enduring traditions that make this time of year so special.

So as I raise my glass in a toast to all those who have shared in the making and enjoying of this Citrus Christmas Pudding, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of good food, good friends, and good memories. May this recipe continue to bring warmth and happiness to all who taste it, now and for years to come. Merry Christmas to all!