Picture this: a cozy winter evening, the smell of spices and sweetness wafting through the air, and a steaming bowl of Old Fashioned Plum Pudding gracing your table. This timeless dessert is a classic favorite for the holiday season, reminiscent of quaint English countryside gatherings and warm family traditions. Follow this simple recipe to create your own delicious Plum Pudding that will surely become a cherished part of your festive celebrations.
**Old Fashioned Plum Pudding Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup dried plums, chopped
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup currants
– 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
– 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
– 1/2 cup rum
– Zest of one orange
– Zest of one lemon
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup suet or butter, melted
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried plums, raisins, currants, candied orange peel, candied ginger, rum, orange zest, lemon zest, and almonds. Mix well and let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 2-quart pudding basin or bundt pan with butter.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add the breadcrumbs and mix well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the melted suet or butter, brown sugar, eggs, and milk until well combined.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir the fruit mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pudding basin or bundt pan, filling it about 3/4 full. Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Cover the pudding basin with a parchment paper circle and foil, securing with kitchen twine to seal in the moisture.
9. Place the pudding basin in a large roasting pan and fill the pan with hot water to come halfway up the sides of the basin.
10. Bake the plum pudding in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Once done, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. Unmold the pudding onto a serving plate.
12. To serve, you can flambe the plum pudding with additional rum for a dramatic presentation. Simply warm some rum in a small pan, carefully ignite it, and pour it over the pudding.
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Old Fashioned Plum Pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm custard. This festive dessert is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home, bringing warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia to your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the magic of the season with each delicious bite!
