17+ Old-fashioned Christmas Pudding Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!

The Origins of Christmas Pudding

A Classic English Tradition

Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding, has been a part of English holiday celebrations since the 14th century. It was originally a porridge-like dish made with oats, dried fruits, and spices, and was served as a fasting meal before the Christmas festivities began. Over time, the recipe evolved and became more elaborate, incorporating ingredients such as suet, brandy, and sugar. By the 19th century, Christmas pudding had become a symbol of wealth and luxury, as it was often filled with expensive ingredients like almonds and candied fruits.

A Symbol of Good Luck

Aside from its delicious taste, Christmas pudding also holds symbolic meaning. The tradition of adding coins, charms, and trinkets to the pudding began in the Victorian era, and it is believed that finding these objects in your slice of pudding brings good luck for the upcoming year. For example, finding a ring is said to bring marriage, while a coin represents wealth and a thimble signifies a life of singlehood. This added element of surprise adds an extra layer of excitement to the holiday celebrations.

The Recipe for a Perfect Christmas Pudding

Ingredients: - 1 cup of suet - 1 cup of flour - 1 cup of breadcrumbs - 1 cup of brown sugar - 1 cup of raisins - 1 cup of currants - 1 cup of sultanas - 1 cup of mixed peel - 1 apple, grated - 1 orange, zested - 1 lemon, zested - 1 tsp of mixed spice - 1 tsp of ground cinnamon - 1 tsp of ground nutmeg - 1/2 cup of brandy - 4 eggs - Butter, for greasing - Additional brandy, for flaming Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the suet, flour, breadcrumbs, and sugar. Mix well. 2. Add in the raisins, currants, sultanas, mixed peel, apple, orange zest, lemon zest, and spices. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and brandy together. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. 4. Grease a pudding basin with butter and fill it with the pudding mixture. Cover with a layer of greased parchment paper and then a layer of aluminum foil, securing it tightly with a string. 5. Place the pudding basin in a large pot and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot and let the pudding steam for 6 hours, checking occasionally to make sure the water level hasn't dropped too low. 6. Once cooked, remove the pudding from the pot and let it cool completely. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to serve. 7. On Christmas Day, reheat the pudding by steaming it for another 2 hours. Before serving, carefully remove the pudding from the basin and place it on a serving dish. Warm up some brandy in a small saucepan and pour it over the pudding. Light the brandy on fire for a dramatic presentation. 8. Serve the Christmas pudding with custard, brandy butter, or your favorite sauce. Enjoy the delicious and festive flavors of this old-fashioned holiday treat! In conclusion, Christmas pudding is more than just a dessert - it's a beloved tradition that brings families and friends together during the holiday season. With its rich history and delicious flavors, it's no wonder that this old-fashioned recipe has stood the test of time. So this Christmas, why not add a touch of nostalgia to your celebrations and give this traditional Christmas pudding recipe a try? Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you.