Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding

Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding Recipe - Australian Dessert

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding is a delightful and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This frozen version of the traditional plum pudding is a refreshing twist on a classic dish, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter dessert after a heavy holiday meal.

History

Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a traditional British dessert that dates back to the 14th century. Originally, plum pudding was a savory dish made with meat, suet, and dried fruits. Over time, the recipe evolved to include more sweet ingredients, such as sugar, spices, and dried fruits. The pudding became a popular Christmas dessert in the 17th century and is still enjoyed by many today.

Ingredients

4 cups of finely chopped mixed dried fruits
1 tbsp of grated orange rind
2 tbsp of cocoa
0.5 cup of brandy or masala
2 tbsp of gelatine
1 tbsp of boiling water
1 gallon of slightly softened but not melted vanilla ice cream

How to prepare

Combine the fruit, spice, orange rind, cocoa, and brandy in a large saucepan.
Over medium heat, bring the mixture almost to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Allow the mixture to cool, stirring occasionally.
Mix the gelatine and boiling water; simmer in a small pan for a few seconds, until evenly melted.
Blend the gelatine mixture into the fruit mixture and chill.
Fold the fruit mixture into the softened ice cream, blending evenly.
Pack the mixture into a foil-lined bowl, cover with foil, and freeze overnight or longer.
To serve, unmold the dessert onto a serving plate, cut into wedges, and serve with cinnamon-flavored whipped cream.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy to the fruit mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and richness.
Experiment with different flavors of ice cream, such as vanilla, chocolate, or rum raisin.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the dried fruits to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the pudding.

- Be sure to slightly soften the ice cream before mixing it with the fruit mixture to make it easier to blend.

- To unmold the pudding, run a knife around the edge of the bowl to loosen it before turning it out onto a serving plate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding with a dollop of cinnamon-flavored whipped cream for a festive touch. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding is to ensure that the fruit mixture is well combined with the softened ice cream. Be sure to fold the fruit mixture gently into the ice cream to avoid overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have masala on hand, you can substitute with rum or brandy. You can also use a different variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, or apricots, depending on your preference.

Make Ahead Tips

Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week before serving. Simply unmold the pudding onto a serving plate when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

To make the pudding extra festive, garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible gold flakes. You can also decorate with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience. You can also pair with a glass of dessert wine or champagne for a more elegant touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding in the freezer, tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, for up to a month. To reheat, allow the pudding to thaw slightly at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding is a good source of vitamin C from the orange rind and dried fruits. It also contains iron, potassium, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the ice cream and may contain nuts from the dried fruits. Please check for allergens before serving to those with food allergies.

Summary

Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its blend of dried fruits, spices, and ice cream, this frozen version of the classic plum pudding is sure to be a hit at your next Christmas gathering. Enjoy this festive treat with friends and family for a sweet ending to your holiday meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a chilly winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that my dear friend had given me. As soon as I laid my eyes on the recipe for Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding, I felt a rush of excitement. The combination of rich, fruity flavors and the idea of a frozen dessert seemed like the perfect treat for the holiday season.

I had never made a frozen dessert before, but I was determined to give it a try. The recipe called for a variety of ingredients, including plump, juicy plums, dried fruits, nuts, and a splash of brandy. I could already imagine the sweet and tangy flavors melding together to create a delicious and unique dessert.

I immediately set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients. I made a trip to the market to pick out the freshest plums I could find, along with a selection of dried fruits and nuts. I also purchased a bottle of brandy, knowing that it would add a touch of warmth and depth to the pudding.

As I began to prepare the pudding, I was filled with a sense of nostalgia. I remembered my own grandmother teaching me how to cook and bake when I was a young girl. She had passed down her love of food and cooking to me, and I cherished the memories of standing by her side in the kitchen, learning her secrets and techniques.

I started by cooking the plums down into a thick, luscious compote. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a mix of sweet fruit and warm spices. I added in the dried fruits and nuts, letting them soak up the flavors of the plums and brandy. As I stirred the mixture, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of serving this dessert to my own family and friends.

Once the pudding mixture had cooled, I poured it into a mold and placed it in the freezer to set. I anxiously waited for it to firm up, checking on it every so often to see how it was progressing. Finally, after a few hours, I carefully unmolded the pudding onto a serving platter.

The sight of the Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding took my breath away. It was a beautiful confection, studded with jewel-like fruits and nuts, and glistening with a frosty sheen. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

I served the pudding to my family after a delicious holiday meal, and their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bites. The flavors were rich and complex, with the sweet plums and brandy mingling perfectly with the chewy dried fruits and crunchy nuts. The frozen texture was a refreshing change from the usual warm desserts of the season, and everyone agreed that it was a new holiday favorite.

As I savored my own slice of Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This recipe had been a challenge, but it had also been a labor of love. I knew that I would cherish the memories of making this dessert for years to come, and that it would hold a special place in my heart as one of my favorite holiday treats.

And so, as I sat with my family, enjoying the last bites of the Frozen Christmas Plum Pudding, I felt grateful for the joy that cooking and baking had brought into my life. It was a tradition that I would continue to pass down to future generations, along with the recipes and stories that had enriched my own culinary journey.