Traditional Christmas Pudding recipe

 

 Classic Christmas Pudding

 

 Ingredients:

 

- 1 cup (200g) raisins

- 1 cup (200g) sultanas

- 1 cup (200g) currants

- 1 cup (150g) mixed peel

- 1 cup (110g) breadcrumbs

- 1 cup (110g) all-purpose flour

- 1 cup (200g) suet (or vegetable suet for a vegetarian version)

- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon mixed spice

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- Zest and juice of 1 lemon

- Zest and juice of 1 orange

- 4 large eggs

- 1/4 cup (60ml) dark ale or stout

- 1/4 cup (60ml) brandy or dark rum

 

 Instructions:

 

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the raisins, sultanas, currants, mixed peel, breadcrumbs, flour, suet, sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

 

2. Add Citrus Zest and Juice:

   - Add the zest and juice of the lemon and orange to the bowl. Mix well.

 

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:

   - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the ale (or stout) and brandy (or rum). Mix thoroughly.

 

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

   - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should have a dropping consistency.

 

5. Prepare Pudding Basins:

   - Grease two pudding basins. Divide the mixture evenly between the basins, pressing it down slightly.

 

6. Cover and Steam:

   - Cover each basin with a double layer of pleated greaseproof paper and a single layer of foil. Secure with kitchen twine. Place the basins in a large steamer over simmering water.

 

7. Steam the Puddings:

   - Steam the puddings for about 6 hours. Check the water level in the steamer occasionally and top up with boiling water as needed.

 

8. Cool and Store:

   - Once steamed, let the puddings cool. Remove the paper and foil, cover with fresh paper and foil, and store in a cool, dark place until Christmas.

 

9. Reheat on Christmas Day:

   - On Christmas Day, steam the pudding for an additional 2 hours before serving.

 

10. Serve with Brandy Sauce:

    - Serve the Christmas Pudding warm with brandy sauce, custard, or your favorite accompaniment.

 

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Christmas Pudding as a festive dessert!