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Christmas Pudding is a traditional British dessert served during Christmas celebrations. Also known as “Plum Pudding,” it is a dense, rich, and spiced steamed cake made with dried fruits, suet, and brandy. Despite its name, it does not actually contain plums; in old English, “plums” referred to raisins. This pudding has been a part of British Christmas feasts for centuries and is often prepared weeks in advance to allow the flavors to mature.

History and Tradition

Christmas Pudding dates back to medieval England and became a holiday staple in the 19th century during Queen Victoria’s reign. A key tradition is “Stir-Up Sunday,” the last Sunday before Advent when families gather to mix the pudding and make a wish while stirring. Another custom involves hiding a silver coin in the pudding, and whoever finds it is believed to receive good luck in the coming year.

Ingredients

For the pudding:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup currants
• 1 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
• 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
• 1/2 cup chopped candied peel
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup suet (or butter for a vegetarian version)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup brandy (plus extra for flaming)
• 1 apple, grated
• Zest of 1 orange

For serving:

• Brandy butter or custard
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the fruit mixture

1. In a large bowl, mix the raisins, currants, sultanas, figs, and candied peel.
2. Pour in the brandy, stir well, and let the fruit soak overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2: Make the pudding batter

1. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, breadcrumbs, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Add the suet (or butter), grated apple, and orange zest. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Beat the eggs with the milk and pour into the dry ingredients. Stir in the soaked fruit mixture until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Steam the pudding

1. Grease a pudding basin (or a heatproof bowl) and spoon the mixture into it.
2. Cover with a layer of parchment paper and foil, securing it with string.
3. Place the pudding basin in a large pot with boiling water reaching halfway up the sides. Cover and steam for about 5-6 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water does not dry out.

Step 4: Store and mature the pudding

1. Once steamed, let the pudding cool completely.
2. Wrap it in fresh parchment paper and store it in a cool, dry place. The pudding can be kept for several weeks or even months, allowing the flavors to develop further.

Step 5: Reheat and serve

1. On Christmas Day, reheat the pudding by steaming it again for about 2 hours.
2. For a traditional presentation, warm a few tablespoons of brandy in a ladle, light it carefully, and pour over the pudding to create a dramatic flaming effect.

How to Enjoy Christmas Pudding

Christmas Pudding is typically served warm with brandy butter, custard, or heavy cream. Some people sprinkle powdered sugar on top to resemble a snowy winter scene. The rich, spiced flavors combined with the fruity sweetness make it a festive and indulgent dessert, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

A Timeless Christmas Tradition

Christmas Pudding is more than just a dessert; it represents the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Passed down through generations, it remains a centerpiece of Christmas feasts, bringing people together to celebrate the spirit of the occasion. Whether homemade or store-bought, this beloved pudding continues to be a cherished part of holiday traditions across the world.