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History of Christmas (Plum) Pudding

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Christmas or Plum Puddings have a firm tradition at Christmas in the UK,  despite taking hours to cook and, ideally, having to be cooked at least a month before Christmas so the flavours mature.  On Christmas Day, the pudding is re-steamed for between 2 to 4 hours, depending on its size and is served hot for dessert.

 

 

Christmas Pudding and Plum Pudding History

 

Christmas Pudding or rather  Plum Pudding dates back to the middle ages but but was originally a Christmas porridge called Frumenty which contained wheat or corn which was boiled in milk. Over the years other ingredients were added such as dried plums or prunes, eggs, and meat and it became known as Plum Pudding.  Then during 11th Century, when spices including cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg were introduced to Europe from the Middle East,  these were also added to the puddings, probably originally as a sign of wealth.

 

Although the recipe evolved further over hundreds of years, with ingredients being added and taken away, it was only established as an essential Christmas food in the 1800s when Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert's love of it  made it fashionable throughout the country.
 

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Christmas Pudding Traditions

 

There are many traditions associated with Christmas or Plum pudding, including:

It should be made with 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and His Disciples


Coins are added to the pudding mix and then very member of the family should take a turn to stir the pudding with a wooden spoon, making a wish as they stir  then whoever gets a coin in their portion on Christmas Day will have their wish come true
 

A sprig of holly is often used to decorate the top of the pudding to represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus on the cross
 

 

Christmas Pudding Recipes

 

Below are some traditional and alternative Christmas Pudding Recipes

 

Light Christmas Pudding  Veg  HT  DP  150mins  

Christmas Pudding with Guinness    HT  DP   British  180mins  plus standing

Vegetarian Christmas Pudding  Veg  HT  DP  180mins  

Traditional Christmas Plum Pudding   HT  DP  240mins plus soaking   

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