Plum Pudding

Traditional Plum Pudding Recipe from United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours (steaming) + 2 hours (on the day of serving) | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a traditional British dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. This rich and flavorful pudding is filled with dried fruits, spices, and other delicious ingredients, making it a festive and indulgent treat.

History

Plum pudding has a long history dating back to medieval times when it was originally a savory dish made with meat and root vegetables. Over time, the recipe evolved to include sweet ingredients like dried fruits, sugar, and spices. By the 19th century, plum pudding had become a popular Christmas dessert in Britain, with families often making it weeks or even months in advance to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup dried mixed fruit
grated rind of 1 small orange
juice of 1 small orange
grated rind of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lemon
2 tsp mixed baking spices
0.5 tsp grated nutmeg
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp salt
1.75 cups grated carrots
1 cup grated green apples
0.6 cup skim milk
5 tbsp granular sugar-free sweetener
4 tbsp margarine
1 tsp liquid gravy browning
1 beaten egg
2 tbsp + 2 tablespoons brandy
1 tsp margarine to grease dish

How to prepare

Mix all the dry ingredients together.
Add the carrots and apples.
Put the milk, sweetener, margarine, and gravy browning into a small saucepan and warm gently until the margarine has melted.
Cool and add to the dry ingredients along with the fruit juice, egg, and 2 tbsp brandy.
Mix well together. Pour into a greased baking dish, cover with a lid or foil.
Steam for 5 hours by placing the covered dish in a heavy kettle over 1 inch of boiling water.
Cover the kettle and allow to cool. Then, cover with foil and store in a cool dry place.
Use within 7 – 10 days. Steam for 2 hours on the day the pudding is required.
To serve, warm 2 tbsp reserved brandy in a large serving spoon or ladle, ignite, and pour over the pudding.
The flamed pudding may be served with clear brandy sauce or a sugar-free egg custard sauce, flavored with brandy.
To make the sauce, blend the cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the boiling water.
Boil for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring.
Remove from the heat and add brandy and sweetener.

Variations

Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute some of the dried fruits with candied peel or raisins for a different taste.
Experiment with different spices like ginger, cloves, or allspice to customize the flavor profile of the pudding.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to steam the pudding for the recommended amount of time to ensure it is fully cooked and has a moist texture.

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

- Serve the pudding warm with a delicious brandy sauce or custard for a decadent finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve plum pudding warm with a dollop of brandy sauce or custard on top for a decadent finish. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the traditional method of cooking plum pudding, as it helps to retain moisture and develop rich flavors. Make sure to cover the pudding tightly with a lid or foil to prevent steam from escaping during the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy, you can use rum or whiskey as a substitute.

- For a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based milk and margarine instead of dairy products.

- Feel free to customize the dried fruits and spices based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

Plum pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dry place for up to a week before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and mature, resulting in a more delicious dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve plum pudding on a decorative platter or cake stand for a festive presentation. You can also garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Plum pudding pairs well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine. The rich and fruity flavors of the pudding complement the warm and comforting notes of these drinks.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover plum 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, or microwave individual portions for a quick and easy dessert.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of plum pudding can range from 250-400 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size. This dessert is a rich and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Plum pudding is a carbohydrate-rich dessert, with ingredients like breadcrumbs, flour, and dried fruits contributing to its carb content. A serving of plum pudding typically contains around 50-60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Plum pudding contains fats from ingredients like margarine and eggs. A serving of plum pudding can have around 10-15 grams of fat, depending on the recipe and portion size.

Proteins

While plum pudding is not a significant source of protein, it does contain some protein from ingredients like eggs and milk. A serving of plum pudding may provide around 3-5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Plum pudding contains vitamins and minerals from ingredients like carrots, apples, and citrus fruits. These ingredients provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Plum pudding may contain allergens like wheat (from breadcrumbs and flour), eggs, milk, and nuts (if included in the recipe). Individuals with food allergies should check the ingredients carefully before consuming plum pudding.

Summary

Plum pudding is a delicious and festive dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and flavors. While it may not be a low-calorie or low-fat option, it is a special treat that can be enjoyed in moderation during the holiday season.

Summary

Plum pudding is a classic Christmas dessert that is rich in flavors and textures. This indulgent treat is perfect for the holiday season and can be customized with different ingredients and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy a slice of warm plum pudding with a drizzle of brandy sauce for a festive and delicious dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a rainy day, and I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, searching for something new to try. That's when I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed card with the words "Plum Pudding" scrawled across the top in elegant script.

I had never heard of plum pudding before, but the ingredients intrigued me – dried fruits, spices, and suet, all mixed together and steamed to perfection. It sounded like a warm, comforting dessert that would be perfect for a cold winter's night.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled, a distant look in her eyes. She told me that she had learned to make plum pudding from her own grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from England many years ago. It was a traditional Christmas dessert in their family, and my grandmother had continued the tradition, making it every year for as long as she could remember.

My grandmother agreed to teach me how to make the plum pudding, and we spent a whole afternoon in the kitchen, measuring out ingredients, chopping dried fruits, and mixing everything together in a large bowl. The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As we worked, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood Christmases, when the whole family would gather around the table to enjoy a steaming bowl of plum pudding, topped with a dollop of brandy butter. She spoke of snowy nights, crackling fires, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

After we had mixed the pudding batter to her satisfaction, my grandmother showed me how to line a pudding basin with buttered parchment paper, spoon the batter in, and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. She explained that the pudding needed to be steamed for several hours to allow the flavors to meld and the fruits to plump up.

I watched as she carefully placed the pudding basin in a large pot of boiling water, then covered it with a lid and let it simmer gently on the stove. The kitchen filled with the rich, spicy aroma of the pudding, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dessert.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the pudding was done. My grandmother carefully lifted it out of the pot and turned it out onto a serving platter. It was dark and glossy, studded with plump, juicy fruits and fragrant with spices. My mouth watered at the sight of it.

We served the pudding warm, topped with a generous spoonful of brandy butter that melted into a rich, creamy sauce. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, mingled with the sweetness of the dried fruits and the richness of the suet.

It was a taste of Christmas past, a reminder of generations gone by and traditions carried on. And as I savored each delicious bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, passed down from my grandmother to me.

So now, every year, I make plum pudding for my own family, continuing the tradition that my grandmother started so many years ago. And as we gather around the table to enjoy this warm, comforting dessert, I feel a connection to the past and a sense of gratitude for the recipes and memories that have been handed down through the generations.