Molasses Pudding

Molasses Pudding Recipe from Canada with Raisins and Currants

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2.5 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Molasses pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This rich and flavorful pudding is made with a combination of flour, molasses, suet or salted pork, and a variety of dried fruits. It is a comforting and satisfying dessert that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Molasses pudding has its roots in traditional British and Canadian cuisine. It was a popular dessert in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when molasses was a common sweetener in many households. The addition of suet or salted pork adds a savory element to the pudding, making it a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients

2.5 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt (omit if using salted pork)
1 tsp mixed spice
0.5 cup butter or 1 cup suet (finely chopped)
or 0.5 cup salted pork (finely chopped)
1 cup molasses
1 cup milk or water
1 cup raisins
1 cup currants (optional)
0.33 cup peel (optional)

How to prepare

Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and spice together.
Add the molasses and milk (or water).
Add the fruit coated with flour and butter.
Mix everything well.
Steam the mixture for 2.5 hours, making sure to keep it boiling constantly.
Serve the dish with a sauce.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy to the pudding mixture for a boozy twist.
Swap out the dried fruits for your favorite combination of nuts and seeds for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the suet or salted pork to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the pudding.

- Coating the dried fruits in flour before adding them to the mixture helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pudding.

- Keep a close eye on the pudding while it is steaming to ensure it does not boil dry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve molasses pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the pudding ensures it cooks evenly and retains its moist and tender texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use suet or salted pork, you can substitute with butter or vegetable shortening.

- You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for molasses.

Make Ahead Tips

Molasses pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve molasses pudding in individual ramekins for a charming and elegant presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair molasses pudding with a strong cup of black tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover molasses pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 65g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 50mg per serving

Alergens

Contains gluten and may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Molasses pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It also provides a good source of iron and calcium.

Summary

Molasses pudding is a classic dessert that is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. With a combination of flour, molasses, suet or salted pork, and dried fruits, this pudding is a comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion. Serve warm with a sauce or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious and indulgent dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Molasses Pudding. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old trunk in the attic, looking for some old photos. As I sifted through the dusty papers and forgotten mementos, I came across a tattered recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother.

Curious, I flipped through the fragile pages, my heart skipping a beat as I found a handwritten recipe for Molasses Pudding. The elegant cursive script brought back memories of my childhood, when my great-grandmother used to make this delicious dessert for special family gatherings.

I remembered the warm, comforting aroma that filled the house as the pudding baked in the oven, and the rich, sweet taste that melted in my mouth with every spoonful. My great-grandmother had a talent for cooking, and this recipe was one of her prized possessions.

As I read through the recipe, I could almost hear her gentle voice guiding me through the steps, her hands deftly mixing the ingredients with love and care. I knew that I had to try making this Molasses Pudding myself, to honor her memory and keep her culinary legacy alive.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients – flour, sugar, molasses, butter, milk, and spices – and set to work in my own kitchen. As I measured and mixed, I felt a sense of connection to my great-grandmother, as if she were there with me, guiding my hands and whispering words of encouragement.

The scent of molasses and spices filled the air, blending with the memories of my childhood and creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. I poured the batter into a greased baking dish and set it in the oven, eagerly awaiting the moment when I could taste the fruits of my labor.

As the pudding baked, the aroma grew stronger, teasing my senses and making my mouth water in anticipation. I could almost hear my great-grandmother's laughter, her joy at passing down her cherished recipe to the next generation.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I carefully removed the pudding from the oven. It was a beautiful golden-brown, with a glistening sheen of molasses on top. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the results of my hard work.

I scooped a generous portion onto a plate, topped it with a dollop of whipped cream, and took my first bite. The pudding was perfection – moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious. The molasses lent a deep, rich sweetness, while the spices added a warm, comforting note that lingered on my tongue.

I closed my eyes and savored each bite, feeling the love and memories that infused every mouthful. My great-grandmother's spirit seemed to dance around me, her laughter echoing through the kitchen as I enjoyed her beloved Molasses Pudding.

From that day on, Molasses Pudding became a staple in my own recipe collection, a cherished tradition that I passed down to my own children and grandchildren. Every time I make it, I feel a connection to my great-grandmother and the generations of women who came before me, all of us bound together by a love of cooking and a shared appreciation for the simple pleasures of good food.

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Molasses Pudding, for it was the beginning of a culinary journey that has brought me closer to my family and my heritage. And as I sit here now, savoring a slice of warm, comforting pudding, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook and the woman that I am today.