Traditional Christmas Pudding

Day 11 - As the festive day approaches, there's one traditional dish that is an absolute must-have for any British Christmas feast – the Christmas pudding. This rich and indulgent dessert has been a staple of Christmas celebrations for centuries, and no Christmas Day meal would be complete without it. Whether you're a seasoned pro at making Christmas pudding or a first-timer looking to impress your family and friends, I've got the ultimate recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. So get your mixing bowls ready and let's dive into the world of traditional Christmas pudding!

Ever since I can remember, when making our annual Christmas pudding batch family members would take turns stirring the ingredients together with a wooden spoon while making a wish. That is still a tradition in our household to this very day!

To make your Christmas Pudding you will need...

Ingredients

• Suet
• Self-Raising Flour
• Salt
• Fresh Breadcrumbs
• Dark Brown Sugar
• Sultanas
• Raisins
• Currants
• Mixed Spice
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Eggs
• Brandy
• Stout/Guinness
• 1 Lemon (zest & juice)

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the suet, flour, salt, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Next add your sultanas, raisins, currants and lemon zest again stir until well combined.
3. Now it's time to add in your eggs, stout or Guinness, brandy, and lemon juice to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined. Here is your chance to stir three times and make a wish.

4. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, making sure to press it down firmly. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Leave at least 1cm from the top as it will need room to rise.
5. Place the basin into a steamer/saucepan with simmering water to come halfway up the sides of the basin or a slow cooker with hot water to come 3/4 of the up the sides of the basin.

6. Steamer or saucepan will need to be left for 6-8 hours. Slow cooker will need to be set on High for 2 hours then turned down to low for 8-10 hours or preferably over night. Keep in mind to watch your water levels as they will evaporate and need topping up throughout the cooking process.
7. Once the pudding is steamed, carefully remove and allow it to cool completely. Puddings can be kept in the basin ready for Christmas Day. I usually do this as it's easier to feed with a tablespoon or two of my favourite alcohol drink to enhance the flavour.

So there you have it, my traditional Christmas Pudding recipe, passed down through the generations of my family and into yours.

When it comes to serving your traditional Christmas pudding, there are plenty of ways to make it a merry and memorable occasion. Here are some presentation and serving suggestions that will add a touch of festive magic to your celebration.

1. Flaming Delight: For a dramatic and traditional presentation, consider setting your Christmas pudding alight before serving. Just warm some Brandy, Rum, Cointreau, Tia Maria pour it over the pudding, and ignite it with a match. The dazzling flames will captivate your guests and create a truly memorable moment.
2. Festive Garnishes: Spruce up your Christmas pudding with some festive garnishes. Dust it with icing sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant touch, or add a sprinkle of edible gold flakes for a touch of luxury. For an extra burst of flavour, top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of indulgent vanilla ice cream.
3. Festive Decorations: Take your presentation to the next level by decorating your Christmas pudding with festive flair. Adorn it with holly leaves, cranberries, or edible silver balls for a pop of colour and festive cheer. You can also tie a festive ribbon around the pudding basin for an extra festive touch.
4. Individual Portions: If you want to serve your Christmas pudding in a more modern and individual way, consider making mini versions. Use small pudding basins or ramekins to create individual servings, and garnish each one with a sprig of holly or a dusting of icing sugar. This not only adds a touch of elegance, but it also allows guests to enjoy their own personal dessert.
5. Accompaniments: While Christmas pudding is delicious on its own, you can enhance the flavours and textures by serving it with some accompaniments. A drizzle of warm brandy or rum sauce adds a decadent touch, while a side of tangy cranberry compote or zesty lemon curd provides a refreshing contrast. Don't forget to offer a selection of hot beverages, such as mulled wine or spiced cider, to complement the rich and indulgent flavours of the pudding.

Whether you choose to go for a classic and flamboyant presentation or a modern and individual serving, the key is to add a touch of festive magic to your celebration. So go ahead and indulge in this timeless dessert, and let the Christmas spirit come alive around your table.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*