Christmas Pudding

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Here’s a classic Christmas Pudding recipe — rich, fruity, and beautifully spiced for the holidays 🎄

🎅 Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (steaming)
Serves: 8–10

🧂 Ingredients

  • 150g (1 cup) raisins

  • 150g (1 cup) currants

  • 150g (1 cup) sultanas

  • 100g (½ cup) chopped mixed peel

  • 100g (½ cup) dark brown sugar

  • 100g (½ cup) shredded suet (or grated cold butter for a vegetarian option)

  • 100g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs

  • 75g (½ cup) plain flour (or gluten-free if preferred)

  • 1 tsp mixed spice

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • 1 small apple, peeled and grated

  • 1 orange, zested and juiced

  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 100ml (about ½ cup) dark beer, brandy, or stout

  • 50ml (¼ cup) milk (if needed for moisture)

🍒 Instructions

  1. Mix the fruits:
    In a large bowl, combine raisins, currants, sultanas, and mixed peel. Pour over the orange and lemon juice, plus the brandy or stout. Let it soak for at least an hour (or overnight for best flavor).

  2. Add the dry ingredients:
    Stir in the flour, breadcrumbs, sugar, and suet. Add spices and zest, mixing well.

  3. Add wet ingredients:
    Stir in the grated apple and beaten eggs. Add a splash of milk if the mixture looks too dry—it should be thick but spoonable.

  4. Prepare the pudding basin:
    Grease a 1.2L (2-pint) pudding basin with butter. Spoon in the mixture and press down lightly. Cover with a layer of parchment and foil, tying securely with string.

  5. Steam the pudding:
    Place the basin in a large pot with boiling water halfway up the sides. Cover and steam gently for about 6 hours, checking occasionally to top up the water.

  6. Cool and store:
    Once done, let the pudding cool completely. Replace the coverings with fresh parchment and foil. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 weeks (the flavor improves over time).

  7. Reheat before serving:
    Steam again for 2 hours on Christmas Day before serving.

🕯️ To Serve

Flame it for drama! Warm a little brandy, pour over the pudding, light it, and serve with:

  • Brandy butter

  • Custard

  • Cream or ice cream

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