Christmas in the United Kingdom is never complete without the iconic Plum Pudding. This rich, moist, and flavorful dessert has been a staple in British households for centuries, each family having their own cherished recipe passed down through generations. It’s a true symbol of holiday indulgence and festive cheer. Making your own Plum Pudding is a wonderful way to bring a taste of British tradition to your holiday table, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Let’s dive into this classic recipe and create a delicious Plum Pudding that will be the star of your Christmas feast.
**Plum Pudding**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup dried currants
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup sultanas
– 1 cup chopped prunes
– 1 cup chopped mixed candied peel
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup shredded suet
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 4 eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup brandy
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried currants, raisins, sultanas, prunes, candied peel, breadcrumbs, flour, suet, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and brandy together until well combined. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir everything together until you have a thick, well-mixed batter. The mixture should be moist but still hold its shape.
3. Grease a pudding basin with butter to prevent sticking. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, pressing it down firmly to remove any air pockets. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
4. Cover the basin with a double layer of greaseproof paper or parchment paper, then secure it with kitchen twine. This traditional method ensures the steam stays inside while the pudding cooks.
5. Place the pudding basin in a large pot or Dutch oven. Fill the pot with water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the pudding over low heat for 6 hours, ensuring the water doesn’t boil dry (add more hot water if necessary).
6. After 6 hours, remove the pudding from the pot. Let it cool slightly before carefully turning it out onto a serving dish. The Plum Pudding should come out easily and hold its shape beautifully.
7. To serve, heat a ladleful of brandy in a small saucepan until warm. Carefully ignite the brandy with a long match and pour it over the Plum Pudding for a dramatic flambé effect. Serve slices of the Plum Pudding with a dollop of brandy butter or a drizzle of custard.
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this traditional British treat with your loved ones this Christmas. Plum Pudding not only tastes amazing but also fills the air with the festive scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus. It’s a dessert that truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season, bringing joy and warmth to your home. Create lasting memories this Christmas by baking your own Plum Pudding and starting a new tradition that your family will treasure for years to come.
