When should I start making Christmas pudding?

When should I start making Christmas pudding?

Most Christmas Pudding recipes will require starting a few weeks before Christmas, usually between four and six weeks ahead of the actual day. Christmas puddings and fruit cakes benefit from being made way in advance because it allows the flavours to intensify and the colour deepen over time.

What do the 13 ingredients in a Christmas pudding represent?

A Christmas pudding should have 13 ingredients – that represent Jesus and the 12 disciples. Traditionally, these ingredients include: raisins, currants, suet, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, citron, lemon peel, orange peel, flour, mixed spices, eggs, milk and brandy. Trinkets were always included in the traditional pudding.

What is the difference between figgy pudding and Christmas pudding?

In America, Christmas Pudding (also known as plum pudding or figgy pudding) is a dish as famous as it is misunderstood. Then as now, the “plum” in plum pudding was a generic term for any dried fruit—most commonly raisins and currants, with prunes and other dried, preserved or candied fruit added when available.

How do you keep a Christmas pudding moist?

Cooking and storing After you have steamed and cooled your pudding, replace the foil with a freshly buttered piece to keep it moist and store in a cool, dark place, or the fridge, until you are ready to reheat it on Christmas day.

How long do homemade Christmas puddings last?

Once the pudding is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside to cool. The pudding can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place. To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming again (in the same way) for two hours, or until hot all the way through.

How often should you feed a Christmas pudding?

The frequency of “feeding” is also a matter of personal preference. You don’t want to swamp the cake with liquid so we suggest an initial feeding once the cake has cooled in its tin and then feeding at convenient intervals after that. If you are feeding weekly then 1-2 tablespoons alcohol per feeding should be enough.

What is traditionally hidden inside a Christmas pudding?

Traditionally a silver coin (six pence) was hidden inside the Christmas Pudding. The silver coin brought good fortune to whomever was lucky enough to find it when the pudding was cut.

What alcohol goes in Christmas pudding?

Choose an alcohol with a high spirit content such as rum, brandy or whisky.

How long does homemade Christmas pudding last?

The pudding can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place. To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming again (in the same way) for two hours, or until hot all the way through. Alternatively, remove the foil and reheat in the microwave.

How many times can you reheat Christmas pudding?

On December 25th, regardless of whether you have steamed or microwaved the pudding in advance, you will need to reheat it in the microwave. But beware that the pudding should not be re-heated by microwave more than twice.

Is it safe to eat a 3 year old Christmas pudding?

Some Christmas puddings, made with dried fruit in the traditional way, are fine to be eaten even two years after they were made. Juliet added that as long as the pudding is stored correctly, it’s highly unlikely to go bad.

How do you serve Christmas pudding?

Although the pud is undoubtedly the star, all that rich, fruity filling needs a dollop of something creamy and cool to serve alongside. Pour over double cream, spoon on thick clotted cream or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick win, or whip up your own boozy brandy butter for ultimate indulgence.

What kind of pudding to make for Christmas?

Allrecipes has more than 20 recipes for Christmas puddings like figgy pudding, or date, plum, carrot and toffee puddings. Serve up some traditional puddings this Christmas.

Where is the best place to store Christmas pudding?

The pudding needs to be wrapped very tightly and stored in a cool place that is fairly dry but with enough humidity to keep the pudding from drying out. The ideal, and traditional, storage space is a basement or cellar. As long as it is cool but not freezing, a balcony or sheltered area outside out of sunlight will work too.

Where did the name Christmas pudding come from?

Plums were what the pre-Victorians called raisins, and dried fruits in general, and the name stuck. It wasn’t until 1845 when it first came to be called “Christmas Pudding” in Eliza Acton’s bestselling cookbook, Modern Cookery for Private Families.

What do you put in figgy pudding for Christmas?

Let’s get started! Place the raisins, sultanas, currants, almonds, and candied citrus peel in a bowl. Pour the brandy over and stir to combine the mixture. Cover and let sit overnight to allow the brandy to fully penetrate the fruit.