Aunt Sarah's Plain Boiled Pudding Recipe

Aunt Sarah's Plain Boiled Pudding is a delightful recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. It is a simple and economical dessert that brings back fond memories of Sunday gatherings and holiday feasts. This humble pudding is made with minimal ingredients, yet it never fails to impress with its delicious flavor and comforting texture.

Before we delve into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the history and fun facts behind this traditional dish. Boiled puddings have been a staple of British cuisine for centuries, with variations found in different regions and families. These puddings were commonly served as a cheap and filling dessert, making use of available ingredients.

Now, let's get started with the recipe! Here is what you'll need to make Aunt Sarah's Plain Boiled Pudding:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef suet, chopped fine or run through a food chopper
- 1/2 cup sour milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoonful soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoonful cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins, seeded and floured
- Flour, enough to make the batter as stiff as ordinary cake batter

Instructions:

1. Begin by prepping the beef suet. Dust a small quantity of flour over the suet before chopping it finely or running it through a food chopper. This will help prevent the suet from sticking together and ensure even distribution in the pudding.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped suet, sour milk, egg, soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3. Gradually add flour to the mixture while stirring continuously. Keep adding flour until the batter reaches a stiff consistency, similar to that of ordinary cake batter. The exact amount of flour may vary depending on the moisture content of your ingredients.

4. Once the batter is ready, fold in the floured raisins. Make sure the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Prepare a muslin bag for boiling or steaming the pudding. Ensure that it is clean and securely tied. Spoon the batter into the muslin bag, leaving enough room for the pudding to expand during cooking. Tie the bag tightly to prevent any water from seeping in.

6. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully place the muslin bag into the boiling water, ensuring it is fully submerged. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the pudding cook for about three hours.

7. Check the water level occasionally during cooking, replenishing it if necessary. Make sure the bag remains fully submerged throughout the entire cooking process to prevent drying out.

8. After three hours of boiling, carefully remove the muslin bag from the water and let it cool slightly before unwrapping. Gently unwrap the pudding, revealing its steamed and glossy appearance.

Now that your Aunt Sarah's Plain Boiled Pudding is ready, it's time to serve it with a delicious sauce. Here's a simple sauce recipe that pairs perfectly with the pudding:

Sauce:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.

2. Serve the sauce alongside the warm Aunt Sarah's Plain Boiled Pudding, allowing each person to spoon as much as desired onto their serving.

Now that you've mastered Aunt Sarah's Plain Boiled Pudding, you might be interested in exploring other similar traditional recipe dishes. Some popular variations include Spotted Dick, which is a similar boiled pudding made with the addition of currants or raisins, and Treacle Pudding, which incorporates treacle (a type of syrup) for a rich and sticky flavor. These puddings, like Aunt Sarah's, have stood the test of time and continue to be beloved desserts in many households.

Enjoy the nostalgia and deliciousness of this classic recipe, and feel free to add your own personal touch or serve it with additional accompaniments like custard or whipped cream. Aunt Sarah's Plain Boiled Pudding will surely become a cherished part of your family traditions, just as it has been in ours.