The holiday season brings with it an irresistible allure of warmth and coziness, and what better way to capture that spirit than through the aroma of freshly baked desserts wafting through the kitchen? One such classic Christmas treat that holds a special place in many UK households is the Orange and Clove Pudding. This delightful dessert combines the zesty freshness of oranges with the rich, aromatic flavor of cloves, creating a comforting dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
**Orange And Clove Pudding**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 large oranges
– 1 cup self-raising flour
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup milk
– 3 eggs
– 1 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– Butter, for greasing
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Begin by grating the zest of one orange and set it aside for later use.
3. Peel all three oranges, making sure to remove any white pith, and slice them into thin rounds.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, breadcrumbs, sugar, ground cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth, runny batter.
6. Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine everything into a thick pudding batter.
7. Arrange the orange slices at the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a single layer to cover the base.
8. Carefully pour the pudding batter over the arranged orange slices, ensuring that the batter spreads evenly to cover the oranges.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set.
10. Once baked, remove the Orange and Clove Pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
11. Serve the pudding warm, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
This Orange and Clove Pudding is a perfect dessert to treat yourself and your loved ones to the comforting flavors of the holiday season. The citrusy tang of the oranges combined with the warm spice of cloves creates a delightful harmony of tastes that will surely evoke feelings of nostalgia and celebration. So, why not add this festive recipe to your Christmas baking repertoire and infuse your home with the joy of the season through delicious homemade treats?
