Steamed Walnut Pudding Recipe

Steamed Walnut Pudding Recipe:

History of Steamed Walnut Pudding:
Steamed pudding has been enjoyed for centuries and is a traditional British dessert. It was typically made using suet, which is the raw, hard fat found around the kidneys in beef and mutton, mixed with flour and dried fruits. However, this recipe for Steamed Walnut Pudding puts a delicious twist on the classic by adding walnuts and spices for extra flavor.

Fun Facts:
- Steaming desserts has been a common cooking method in many cultures around the world. It allows for a moist and tender texture while preserving the flavors of the ingredients.
- The use of coffee cans as molds for steamed puddings was popular in the mid-20th century when tin cans were a common household item. They provided a convenient and sturdy mold for steaming puddings.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup syrup molasses or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup walnut meats, processed or crushed
- 3/4 cup seeded raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt

Sauce:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 heaping tablespoonfuls of butter
- 1 unbeaten egg white
- 3/4 teaspoon lemon extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Dissolve the baking soda in syrup molasses or maple syrup, and then add it to the butter mixture.

4. Gradually add the sweet milk and flour to the mixture, alternating between the two. Mix well after each addition.

5. Stir in the crushed walnut meats, raisins, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter.

7. Grease two one-pound tin coffee cans and lightly flour them. Fill each can about two-thirds full with the batter.

8. Tightly cover each can with a lid.

9. Place the cans in a large pot of boiling water, making sure the water level reaches at least halfway up the sides of the cans.

10. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Steam the pudding for three hours, making sure the water continues to boil throughout the cooking process.

11. After three hours, remove the cans from the pot and carefully remove the lids.

12. Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes, then invert the cans onto a platter to release the pudding. The pudding should come out easily if the cans were well greased and floured.

13. Slice the pudding and serve it hot with the prepared sauce.

Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the powdered sugar and butter until well combined.

2. Add the unbeaten egg white and continue to beat until the mixture becomes creamy.

3. Stir in the lemon extract.

4. Transfer the sauce to a cold place or refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.

5. Serve the sauce over slices of hot Steamed Walnut Pudding.

This delicious Steamed Walnut Pudding is a comforting dessert with a unique texture and rich flavors. The combination of the moist, steamed pudding and the creamy, tangy sauce creates the perfect balance. Enjoy this traditional British dessert at any time of the year.

Similar recipes:
- Steamed Fruit Pudding: This traditional steamed dessert uses a variety of dried fruits and spices for a delicious and aromatic flavor.
- Steamed Gingerbread Pudding: Ginger lovers will adore this steamed pudding infused with warm spices and molasses for a rich and indulgent treat.
- Steamed Chocolate Pudding: A decadent twist on the classic steamed pudding, this recipe incorporates cocoa powder and chocolate for a rich and gooey delight. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.