Welsh Christmas Pudding

Welsh Christmas Pudding Recipe - Traditional Holiday Dessert from Wales

Region / culture: Wales | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 6 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Welsh Christmas Pudding is a traditional dessert enjoyed during the holiday season in Wales. This rich and decadent pudding is filled with a variety of dried fruits, spices, and other delicious ingredients. It is typically steamed for several hours before being served with a generous drizzle of brandy and a dollop of thick cream.

History

The origins of Welsh Christmas Pudding can be traced back to the 19th century when it became a popular dessert during the Christmas season in Wales. The pudding was traditionally made with a mixture of dried fruits, suet, breadcrumbs, and spices, all bound together with eggs and alcohol. It was a festive treat enjoyed by families across the country during the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) currants
1 lb (454 g) seedless raisins
4 oz (113 g) mixed peel
the juice and rind of 1 lemon
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp nutmeg
1 lb (454 g) butter
1 lb (454 g) brown sugar
5 eggs
4 oz (113 g) golden syrup (treacle)
6 oz (170 g) flour
1 lb (454 g) brown breadcrumbs
1 lb (454 g) vegetarian suet
0.25 pt (118 ml) brown ale, stout or cider
1 cup wine, sherry or rum
3 tbsp milk

How to prepare

Wash and dry the fruit.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until soft, then add the eggs one by one.
Stir in the syrup, grated rind, lemon juice, sifted flour, spices, breadcrumbs, suet, fruit, and peel.
Mix well, adding enough liquid and milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
Cover the mixture and let it stand overnight.
The next day, grease 2 pt (946 ml) size "pudding cups" (or any other baking cups) and place a circle of greased pastry paper on the bottom of each cup.
Divide the pudding mixture equally among the cups, then cover the top with more paper and damp tea towels (securely tie the towels with a knot to retain steam).
Steam the puddings for six hours using a steamer or a large pot on the stove.
Remove from the heat and cover with damp tea towels.
These puddings can be stored for up to a year (and are said to improve with age).
When needed, re-steam the puddings to heat them.
Traditionally, these puddings are brought to the table with flaming brandy and served with thick cream.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or candied ginger for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute the rum with brandy or whiskey for a different flavor profile.
Use different dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly grease the pudding cups and line them with pastry paper to prevent sticking.

- Allow the pudding mixture to stand overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Steam the puddings for the full six hours to ensure they are fully cooked and have a moist texture.

- Store the puddings in a cool, dark place for up to a year to allow the flavors to mature and develop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Welsh Christmas Pudding warm with a drizzle of brandy and a dollop of thick cream.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the traditional method of cooking Welsh Christmas Pudding, but it can also be baked in the oven at a low temperature for a longer period of time.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Substitute the mixed peel with chopped candied citrus peel.

Make Ahead Tips

Welsh Christmas Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Welsh Christmas Pudding on a festive platter with a sprig of holly for a traditional touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Welsh Christmas Pudding with a glass of sherry or port for a delicious dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Welsh Christmas Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or steam for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Welsh Christmas Pudding contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Welsh Christmas Pudding contains approximately 60g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Welsh Christmas Pudding contains approximately 25g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Welsh Christmas Pudding contains approximately 5g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Welsh Christmas Pudding is a rich source of iron, vitamin C, and calcium.

Alergens

Welsh Christmas Pudding contains gluten, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Welsh Christmas Pudding is a decadent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and calcium, but may not be suitable for those with gluten, egg, or dairy allergies.

Summary

Welsh Christmas Pudding is a rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. Filled with dried fruits, spices, and other delicious ingredients, this pudding is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve it warm with a drizzle of brandy and a dollop of thick cream for a truly indulgent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day in the small village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in Wales. I was visiting my dear friend Gwyneth, who was known throughout the village for her amazing cooking skills.

As I entered her cozy kitchen, the delicious aroma of spices and fruits filled the air. Gwyneth greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, before handing me a cup of hot tea. As we sat at the kitchen table, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelves.

"This is a recipe for Welsh Christmas Pudding," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It has been passed down in my family for generations, and it is a tradition to make it every year during the holiday season."

I eagerly flipped through the pages of the cookbook, taking in the ingredients and instructions for the pudding. Raisins, currants, suet, breadcrumbs, sugar, flour, spices, and of course, a generous amount of Welsh whisky. It sounded like a decadent and rich dessert, perfect for a festive celebration.

Gwyneth explained to me the significance of the pudding in Welsh culture. It symbolized unity, family, and tradition. Each ingredient represented a different aspect of life, and the act of making the pudding together was a bonding experience for loved ones.

I was captivated by the story behind the pudding, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Gwyneth offered to teach me, and we spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, mixing, stirring, and steaming the pudding to perfection.

As we worked side by side, Gwyneth shared with me the secrets and tips she had learned over the years. She told me about her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl. I could see the love and passion she had for cooking, and it inspired me to continue learning and experimenting in the kitchen.

After hours of preparation, the pudding was finally ready. Gwyneth carefully unmolded it onto a festive platter, and we drizzled it with a warm brandy sauce. The pudding glistened in the soft candlelight, and I couldn't wait to take a bite.

As I savored the first spoonful, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures. The richness of the suet, the sweetness of the fruits, and the warmth of the spices all melded together in perfect harmony. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in being able to create such a masterpiece.

From that day on, Welsh Christmas Pudding became a staple in my own holiday celebrations. I would make it every year, following Gwyneth's recipe and adding my own twist to it. I shared it with my family and friends, passing on the tradition and the love that went into making it.

As the years went by, I continued to collect recipes from various places and people, but Welsh Christmas Pudding always held a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dessert; it was a symbol of tradition, love, and togetherness.

And as I sit here now, surrounded by my grandchildren in my own cozy kitchen, I can't help but smile as I watch them devouring the pudding with joy and excitement. I know that the tradition will live on for generations to come, and that the recipe will continue to bring us together in love and unity.

For that, I am eternally grateful to my dear friend Gwyneth, who introduced me to the magic of Welsh Christmas Pudding all those years ago. It is a gift that keeps on giving, and one that I will cherish for the rest of my days.