Plum Pudding is a traditional English dessert usually served at Christmas and New Year’s. There are no plums in plum pudding. When the recipe was written in the 17th century all dried fruit was referred to as plums.
If you’re an American the term pudding may be a bit confusing. In England all desserts are referred to as pudding. In America a pudding is a flavored creamy dessert that is milk based.
A Plum Pudding is more like a cake and closely resembles a fruit cake. It contains nutmeg, cinnamon, raisins, nuts, dates and other ingredients. A full recipe will appear below.
A plum pudding is not baked. It is either boiled or steamed. The cooking process can take up to eight hours or longer. Part of the tradition of making a plum pudding is that every member of the household takes a turn at stirring the mixture. This is a way to bring luck in the coming New Year.
The reason Plum Pudding Day is celebrated on February 12th is unknown. I would suggest this. Since Plum Pudding Day is two days before Valentine’s Day maybe it could be observed by inviting all your single friends to come and stir the pudding. Maybe this will bring them luck on the holiday for lovers.
Plum pudding is usually served by pouring brandy over it and igniting the cake. A creamy brandy sauce is often spooned over the dessert. Brandy Butter is also served along with Plum Pudding. Brandy Butter is butter mixed with brandy and sugar to a spreadable consistency.
Plum Pudding
YIELD
Each pudding serves 12
INGREDIENTS
B PREPARATION