What Is Plum Pudding And How Do You Make It?

Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a traditional English dessert that is enjoyed during the holiday season. It is a rich, dark, and flavorful pudding that is made with a variety of ingredients, including fruits, spices, and suet. Plum pudding is typically served with a sweet sauce, such as brandy butter or hard sauce.

History of Plum Pudding

The history of plum pudding dates back to the Middle Ages. The earliest known recipe for plum pudding appeared in a cookbook in 1390. At that time, plum pudding was a simple dish made with flour, water, and honey. Over time, the recipe for plum pudding evolved, and it began to include more ingredients, such as fruits, spices, and suet.

Ingredients in Plum Pudding

The ingredients in plum pudding vary depending on the recipe, but some of the most common ingredients include:

• Flour
• Suet
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Sugar
• Spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
• Dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)
• Candied fruits (such as cherries and peel)
• Alcohol (such as brandy or rum)

How to Make Plum Pudding

Plum pudding is a time-consuming dish to make, but it is well worth the effort. To make plum pudding, you will need to:

1. Combine the flour, suet, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, sugar, and spices in a large bowl.
2. Stir in the dried fruits and candied fruits.
3. Add the alcohol and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured pudding basin.
5. Cover the pudding basin with a lid or foil and steam for 6-8 hours.
6. Allow the pudding to cool completely before serving.

How to Serve Plum Pudding

Plum pudding is typically served with a sweet sauce, such as brandy butter or hard sauce. You can also serve plum pudding with ice cream or whipped cream.

Variations on Plum Pudding

There are many different variations on plum pudding. Some popular variations include:

• Figgy pudding: This variation of plum pudding is made with figs instead of raisins.
• Date pudding: This variation of plum pudding is made with dates instead of raisins.
• Gingerbread pudding: This variation of plum pudding is made with gingerbread spices.
• Chocolate pudding: This variation of plum pudding is made with chocolate.

Nutritional Value of Plum Pudding

Plum pudding is a high-calorie food, but it is also a good source of nutrients. Plum pudding is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and potassium.

The Bottom Line

Plum pudding is a delicious and festive dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a traditional English dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. If you are looking for a delicious and festive dessert to enjoy this holiday season, plum pudding is a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between plum pudding and Christmas pudding?
A: Plum pudding and Christmas pudding are essentially the same thing. The term “plum pudding” is more commonly used in the United States, while the term “Christmas pudding” is more commonly used in the United Kingdom.

Q: Why is plum pudding called plum pudding if it doesn’t contain plums?
A: The term “plum” in plum pudding does not refer to the fruit. It is actually a corruption of the word “prune.” Prunes were one of the main ingredients in plum pudding in the Middle Ages.

Q: How long can plum pudding be stored?
A: Plum pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.