Plum Pudding, No. 2 Recipe

Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding or figgy pudding, is a traditional British dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. Its origin can be traced back to the medieval period, and it has been enjoyed by generations as a festive treat. The name "plum pudding" can be slightly misleading, as it does not actually contain plums. In the past, the word "plum" was used to refer to any dried fruit.

Fun Fact: In the 17th century, plum pudding was originally a savory dish, made with meat and spices. Over the years, the recipe evolved to become the sweet and fruity dessert that we know today.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Plum Pudding, No. 2 using the ingredients provided:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 box of raisins
- 1/2 box of currants
- 1/4 pound of citron
- 1/4 pound of suet (chopped very fine)
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1 wineglass of brandy
- 2 cups of cider
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Ground cloves, to taste
- Flour (enough to thicken well)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

Instructions:

1. Begin by chopping the raisins and currants. You can use a food processor or a sharp knife for this step. The goal is to have small, evenly chopped pieces.
2. Chop the citron into fine pieces as well, ensuring it is evenly distributed in the pudding.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped raisins, currants, citron, suet, eggs, sugar, brandy, cider, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed.
4. Gradually add flour to the mixture, incorporating it slowly while stirring continuously. The flour should be mixed with baking powder for extra leavening. The goal is to achieve a thick and smooth consistency. Adjust the amount of flour as needed.
5. Grease a pudding mold or a heatproof bowl with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking. Then, pour the mixture into the mold, ensuring it is filled up to 3/4 of the capacity to allow for expansion during cooking.
6. Prepare a large pot with a fitted steaming rack or a makeshift rack using a heatproof plate at the bottom. Fill the pot with enough water to reach 1/2 to 2/3 of the height of the mold.
7. Place the mold on the rack, cover the pot with its lid, and bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Steam the plum pudding for approximately three hours, ensuring the water level remains consistent throughout the cooking process. You can top up the water if needed.
8. After three hours, carefully remove the mold from the pot, using oven mitts or a towel. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before unmolding it onto a serving plate.
9. Serve the plum pudding warm, drizzled with your choice of sauce, such as brandy butter, custard, or caramel sauce. Alternatively, you can let the pudding cool completely and store it in a cool, dry place for a few weeks to allow the flavors to meld and mature.

Note: Plum pudding is often made in advance and traditionally served on Christmas day. Some even make it months ahead to enhance the flavors further. To store the pudding, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it in a cool, dark place. It can be reheated by steaming again for around two hours before serving.

Similar recipe dishes include:
1. Figgy Pudding: A variation of plum pudding that includes figs as one of the main ingredients. It adds a delightful sweetness and a unique flavor profile to the pudding.
2. Spotted Dick: Another classic British dessert, Spotted Dick is a steamed suet pudding similar to plum pudding but with the addition of currants or raisins. It is often served with custard sauce and is a favorite among pudding enthusiasts.
3. Christmas Cake: A rich and moist fruitcake that is commonly enjoyed during the holiday season. It contains a variety of dried fruits and is often soaked in alcohol for added flavor. The cake is then covered with icing or marzipan to create a festive and beautiful appearance.

Plum pudding, with its rich flavors and historical significance, continues to be a beloved dessert during the holiday season. Whether served on Christmas day or as a festive treat throughout the year, it is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to a bygone era.