Ah, *Christmas pudding*! Just saying it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This delightful dessert is a must-have at any holiday gathering, steeped in tradition and bursting with rich flavors from dried fruits and spices. I remember my first time making it with my grandmother; the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of simmering fruits and the laughter of family. It’s such a joyous part of the festive season, often served with a flambé of brandy that adds a touch of magic to the table. Trust me, once you dive into a slice of this luscious pudding, you’ll understand why it’s cherished during celebrations!
Ingredients List
To make the best *Christmas pudding*, you’ll need a handful of simple yet delightful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 100g currants
- 100g chopped nuts (I love using walnuts for that extra crunch!)
- 100g brown sugar (the deeper flavor really makes a difference)
- 200ml milk
- 100g breadcrumbs (fresh or day-old work beautifully)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp mixed spice (or cinnamon if that’s what you have on hand)
- 50g butter (melted, of course, for that lovely richness)
- 1 tbsp brandy (optional, but highly recommended for that festive kick!)
Make sure everything is at room temperature before you start mixing—it really helps the ingredients come together smoothly!
How to Prepare *Christmas Pudding*
Preheat and Combine
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 150°C (300°F). While that’s warming up, grab a large bowl and start mixing together your dried fruits, currants, chopped nuts, and brown sugar. I like to take a moment to really get in there and make sure everything is well combined; it makes such a difference in flavor!
Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk until it’s all nice and frothy. This is where the magic begins! You want that combination to feel light and airy, so take your time here—about a minute should do it.
Combine Mixtures
Now, let’s bring it all together! Pour your egg and milk mixture into the bowl with the dried ingredients, and then gently add the breadcrumbs and mixed spice. Make sure everything is well-incorporated! Next, melt your butter (you can do this in the microwave if you’re in a hurry) and stir that in along with the brandy. The aroma will be heavenly, trust me!
Steaming Process
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to pour your pudding mixture into a greased pudding basin. Make sure to pack it down gently but firmly—it helps it hold its shape! Cover the basin with parchment paper, then find a pot that will fit your basin snugly. Fill it with water to about halfway up the sides of the basin and bring it to a simmer. Steam your pudding for about 2 hours, topping up the water if needed. The kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make, even for beginner cooks!
- You can prepare it a week in advance, making holiday planning a breeze.
- The rich, spiced flavor is a festive delight that everyone will adore.
- Steaming gives it a wonderfully moist texture that’s hard to resist.
- It’s a classic dessert that brings back memories and creates new ones with family and friends.
- With the option to add brandy, it feels extra special and festive!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas pudding* turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t rush the mixing—take your time to blend the ingredients well, as this really enhances the flavor. If you want to add a twist, try including some zest from an orange or lemon for a bright pop! Also, remember to check the water level while steaming; you don’t want it to run dry. And here’s a fun tip: make it a day or two in advance; the flavors deepen beautifully as it sits. Trust me, your festive feast will be all the better for it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Christmas pudding* properly is key to keeping it delicious! Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. It’ll keep well for about a week! If you want to enjoy it later, you can also refrigerate it to extend its life. When it’s time to serve, reheat your pudding by steaming it for about 1 hour—this method helps retain its moistness and flavor. Just place it back in the steamer, and you’ll have a warm, festive treat ready to impress your guests!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a quick peek at the nutritional side of things! Each slice of this delightful *Christmas pudding* packs approximately 250 calories, which isn’t too shabby for a festive treat. You’ll find around 8g of fat, with about 3g being saturated fat. It also has around 15g of sugar, giving it that lovely sweetness we all crave during the holidays. Plus, you get about 5g of protein and 40g of carbohydrates in each serving. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect while you indulge in this classic dessert!
FAQ Section
Can I make *Christmas pudding* ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a week in advance. The flavors mellow and deepen the longer it sits, making it even more delicious.
What’s the best way to serve *Christmas pudding*?
Traditionally, it’s served warm with a splash of brandy poured on top and then flambéed for a stunning presentation. You can also serve it with cream or custard for added indulgence!
Can I substitute the brandy?
Sure! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the brandy with apple juice or simply omit it. The pudding will still be delightful!
How do I know when my *Christmas pudding* is done?
Your pudding is ready when it’s firm to the touch and has a lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen. A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I freeze *Christmas pudding*?
Yes, you can! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To enjoy it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then steam to reheat.
Christmas pudding: 5 Secrets to a Magical Festive Treat
- Temps Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A traditional festive dessert made with dried fruits and spices.
Ingrédients
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 100g currants
- 100g chopped nuts
- 100g brown sugar
- 200ml milk
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 50g butter
- 1 tbsp brandy
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Mix all the dried fruits, nuts, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add the breadcrumbs and mixed spice to the bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Add melted butter and brandy to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased pudding basin.
- Cover with parchment paper and steam for 2 hours.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Can be made a week in advance.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Reheat by steaming for 1 hour before serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Steaming
- Cuisine: British
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: christmas pudding
