Christmas Pudding Recipe

Embrace the festive spirit with this traditional British Christmas Pudding recipe, a rich, dense dessert packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and traditionally flamed with brandy. Steeped in holiday tradition, this pudding is a cherished finale to the Christmas meal, symbolizing good luck and joy for the year to come.

Preparation Time: 24 hours (to soak fruits)
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Resting Time: 2 weeks (minimum)
Total Time: Over 2 weeks
Serving: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup sultanas
• 1 cup currants
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed peel
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 4 ounces suet, finely shredded
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup brandy, plus extra for flaming
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

Method:

1. Prepare the Fruit:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine raisins, sultanas, currants, mixed peel, chopped almonds, and apple. Add the orange and lemon zest and juice, then stir in the brandy. Cover and let the mixture soak overnight.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • To the soaked fruit, add suet, sugar, flour, spices, and bread crumbs. Mix well. Gradually add the beaten eggs, stirring until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
3. Steam the Pudding:
   • Grease a 2-pint pudding basin and fill it with the pudding mixture. Cover with a double layer of greased parchment paper, then a layer of aluminum foil, and tie securely with string.
   • Place the basin in a large steamer or pot filled with boiling water that reaches halfway up the sides of the basin. Steam for 4 hours, making sure the water never boils dry.
4. Mature the Pudding:
   • Once cooked, cool the pudding and replace the parchment and foil covers. Store in a cool, dry place. For best flavor, let the pudding mature for at least two weeks before Christmas.
5. Serve:
   • To serve, steam the pudding again for 2 hours. Warm some brandy, pour it over the pudding, and light it with a match to flame just before serving.

Notes:

• The longer the pudding matures, the deeper the flavors develop.
• Traditionally, a silver coin is stirred into the mixture, said to bring luck to the person who finds it.

Nutritional Information per Serving (Based on USDA Guidelines):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Sugars: 42g

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