Frozen Christmas Pudding
Frozen Christmas Pudding Recipe - Australian Delight
Introduction
Frozen Christmas Pudding is a delightful twist on the traditional Christmas pudding, perfect for those who prefer a cold dessert during the holiday season. This frozen treat is packed with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and creamy ice cream, making it a refreshing and festive dessert for any Christmas celebration.
History
The origins of Christmas pudding date back to medieval England, where it was known as "plum pudding" due to the abundance of prunes (which were referred to as "plums" in old recipes) in the dish. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of dried fruits, spices, and alcohol, and became a staple dessert for Christmas celebrations in the UK and other parts of the world.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of raisins
- 0.5 cup of sultanas
- 0.5 cup of currants
- 0.25 cup of chopped glace cherries
- 0.25 cup of mixed peel
- 0.25 cup of fruit juice or other liquid
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tsp of grated nutmeg
- 0.5 cup of blanched almonds
- 0.5 cup of cream
- 1 liter of chocolate ice cream
How to prepare
- Combine the fruit with the fruit juice or other liquid and spices.
- Cover and let it stand overnight.
- Mix together the soaked fruits, almonds, cream, and ice cream.
- Pour the mixture into a large mold and cover it with foil.
- Freeze until firm, for at least one week to allow the flavor to develop.
- Unmold the dessert by quickly dipping it into hot water and inverting it onto a serving plate.
Variations
- Add a splash of rum or brandy to the fruit mixture for an extra boozy kick.
- Swap out the almonds for pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soaking the dried fruits in fruit juice or alcohol overnight helps to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
- Make sure to cover the pudding with foil before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.
- To unmold the pudding, quickly dip the mold into hot water to loosen the edges before inverting it onto a serving plate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Frozen Christmas Pudding with a drizzle of warm brandy sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Cooking Techniques
The key cooking technique for this recipe is freezing the pudding to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use dried cranberries or apricots instead of sultanas or currants.
- Substitute the mixed peel with candied ginger for a spicy twist.
Make Ahead Tips
This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a month before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Frozen Christmas Pudding with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh mint leaves for a festive presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dessert with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea for a cozy and comforting treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To serve, let the pudding sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 280 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 35g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 12g per serving
Saturated Fat: 6g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 4g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dessert is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.
Alergens
Contains nuts and dairy.
Summary
This Frozen Christmas Pudding is a decadent dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying treat for the holiday season.
Summary
Frozen Christmas Pudding is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and creamy ice cream, this frozen treat is sure to be a hit at any Christmas celebration. Enjoy the flavors of Christmas in a cool and delicious way with this easy and delicious recipe.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed, stained cards, my eyes landed on one that simply read "Frozen Christmas Pudding."
I had never heard of such a thing before. Christmas pudding, yes. But frozen? Intrigued, I carefully pulled the card out and examined it. The recipe was written in my grandmother's delicate script, a mix of print and cursive that I had always admired. It called for a combination of dried fruits, nuts, spices, and brandy, all mixed together and frozen into a decadent dessert that was sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
I couldn't resist trying it out for myself. So, armed with the recipe card and a sense of adventure, I set out to create my own version of Frozen Christmas Pudding. I gathered all the ingredients listed on the card and got to work, carefully measuring and mixing, tasting and adjusting until I had a mixture that smelled just like Christmas.
As the pudding froze in the depths of my freezer, I couldn't help but think back on how I had come to acquire this recipe. It was a story that had been passed down through generations, a tale of an encounter with a mysterious stranger who had shared the recipe with my grandmother many years ago.
According to the story, my grandmother had been out shopping for Christmas decorations when she had run into an old woman in the market. The woman had been selling homemade Christmas puddings, and my grandmother had been drawn to the tantalizing aroma wafting from her stall. They struck up a conversation, and the woman had eventually revealed that the secret to her delicious puddings lay in the freezing process.
Intrigued, my grandmother had begged the woman for the recipe, promising to keep it a secret and pass it down to future generations. The woman had agreed, handing over a tattered old recipe card that had become a treasured heirloom in our family.
As I waited for my own Frozen Christmas Pudding to set, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to my ancestors. It was as if I were carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the ages, a thread that connected me to my past and my future.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I carefully removed the pudding from the freezer and unmolded it onto a festive platter. It was a sight to behold, a rich and decadent dessert that sparkled with the promise of Christmas magic.
I served it to my family that evening, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. The flavors of dried fruit and nuts, spices and brandy danced on their tongues, and I knew that I had created something truly special.
As we sat around the table, savoring each mouthful of Frozen Christmas Pudding, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the mysterious stranger who had shared this recipe with my grandmother so many years ago. It was a gift that had brought joy and warmth to our family for generations, and I knew that I would continue to make it for years to come.
And so, as I sat back and watched my loved ones enjoy this delicious dessert, I couldn't help but smile. The recipe for Frozen Christmas Pudding had become not just a part of my family's culinary tradition, but a part of our shared history, a link that bound us together in love and deliciousness. And for that, I would be forever grateful.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | Australian Desserts | Australian Recipes | Candied Citrus Peel Recipes | Christmas Desserts | Currant Recipes | Frozen Dessert Recipes | Fruit Juice Recipes | Glace Cherry Recipes | Golden Raisin Recipes | Ice Cream Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | Raisin Recipes |