Christmas Plum Pudding Recipe

History of Christmas Plum Pudding:

Christmas Plum Pudding, also known as plum duff, is a traditional British dessert that is typically served during the Christmas season. Its history can be traced back to the medieval period when it was known as "plum porridge" or "plum pottage."

Originally, plum pudding did not contain any actual plums. The term "plum" referred to any dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, and sultanas. The inclusion of dried fruits in the pudding was considered a luxury during that time, as they were expensive and not readily available for all.

Over the centuries, the recipe for plum pudding gradually evolved. It became more rich and dense, with the addition of suet, breadcrumbs, spices, and alcohol. The mixture was then usually boiled or steamed in a cloth, giving the pudding its distinct shape and texture.

Fun facts about Christmas Plum Pudding:

1. Despite its name, Christmas Plum Pudding is not actually a "pudding" in the American sense of the word. It is more like a cake or a steamed dessert.

2. Traditionally, plum pudding was made on "stir-up Sunday," which falls on the last Sunday before Advent. On this day, families would gather together to mix and prepare the pudding, while making a wish and taking turns stirring the mixture clockwise with a wooden spoon.

3. Christmas Plum Pudding is often prepared well in advance, sometimes up to a year in advance, to allow the flavors to mature. It is believed that the longer the pudding is aged, the richer and more flavorful it becomes.

4. The tradition of adding coins, charms, or trinkets to the pudding is an old custom that symbolizes good luck. It is said that finding a coin or charm in your slice of pudding brings wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

Now, let's move on to the recipe for Christmas Plum Pudding:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons hot water
- Currant or other jelly

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix and sift together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the beaten eggs to the dry ingredients and mix well until combined.
4. Slowly add the hot water to the mixture, stirring continuously until the batter becomes smooth.
5. Pour the batter into a large, well-greased pan, making sure to spread it very thinly, not more than 1/4 inch thick.
6. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Turn the cake out onto a sheet of brown paper, and allow it to cool slightly.
8. Beat the jelly with a fork until smooth, then spread it evenly over the cake.
9. Using a sharp knife, trim off the crusty edges of the cake, and then roll it up while it is still warm, using the brown paper as a guide.
10. To keep the roll perfectly round, wrap it in a slightly damp cloth until it is cool.
11. Once completely cooled, sprinkle the rolled plum pudding with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

- Christmas Fruitcake: Like Christmas Plum Pudding, fruitcake is a traditional holiday dessert that is rich in dried fruits and spices. It is often made well in advance to enhance its flavor and is typically served sliced.

- Steamed Christmas Pudding: This is a variation of the plum pudding where the mixture is steamed instead of baked. It is often served with a warm, boozy sauce such as brandy butter or custard.

- Mince Pies: Mince pies are small pastry desserts filled with a mixture of minced dried fruits, spices, and suet. They are a popular Christmas treat in the UK and are often enjoyed alongside plum pudding.

In conclusion, Christmas Plum Pudding is a delicious and rich dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries during the festive season. Its history and tradition add to the charm and allure of this classic British dish. Whether baked or steamed, with a dollop of brandy butter or custard, Christmas Plum Pudding will surely bring joy and cheer to any holiday gathering.