Christmas Pudding Recipe

This is the recipe which my family has used for over 20 years. It is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to really develop. It has become our family tradition to make ours on Thanksgiving weekend to enjoy at Christmas. This recipe serves 8 to 10

The Christmas pudding has a long and interesting past. It dates back to the Middle Ages in Britain when it was first known as mince pie. The ingredients then were chopped poultry, pheasant, partridge, and rabbit. Things moved on from then thankfully! The recipe evolved over the years and later sugar, apples, raisins, and candied oranges and lemons were added.

Christmas pudding was thought to be way too much of a good thing by the Puritans who actually banned it in 1664.

Fortunately the Christmas pudding survived this set back and became a favorite once again when King George I for the Christmas feast. Meat was taken out of the recipe and the tradition of lighting the pudding began.

As with many British Christmas traditions the popularity of the Christmas pudding really began in the Victorian age when it was reintroduced to the country by Prince Albert. The Victorians traditional Christmas pudding has remained pretty much the same today.

Sometimes we just don't have the time to steam a Christmas pudding. So here is the perfect solution - a recipe for a microwaveable Christmas Pudding!

Ingredients

3oz fresh white breadcrumbs.
3oz all purpose flour.
1/2 Teaspoon ground mixed spice
3oz shredded suet
4oz soft brown sugar.
2oz chopped mixed candied peel.
3oz currants
2oz sultanas.
2oz raisins.
1 1/2 oz blanched almonds (chopped).
Grated rind & juice of half-lemon.
1 tablespoons brandy.
A large egg (beaten).
2 1/2 tablespoons of brown ale.
1 tablespoon milk.
One tablespoon black treacle.

In a large bowl mix the breadcrumbs, flour, mixed spice, suet, sugar, peel, currants, sultanas, raisins, almonds & apple. Then add and mix in well the lemon, brandy, egg, ale, milk & treacle.
Cover and leave overnight. Don't miss this step - it really helps with the flavor!
Put in a well greased 1.15litre/2pint pudding basin.
Cover pudding basin loosely with plastic wrap
Cook in microwave on full power for 10-12 minutes.
Let it stand for 5 minutes
Serve

Photos used under Creative Commons from juicylucymamma

The history of the Christian tradition is an interesting one. Of course it was first banned by the puritans in 1664 but after that time became closely associated with the Christian faith.

Tradition dictates that the pudding should be made by the 25th Sunday after Trinity. The pudding should also have 13 ingredients to represent Christ and his disciples. The traditional lighting of the pudding is said to represent the passion of Christ and the garnish of holly represents the Crown of Thorns.

It became a tradition that it was said to be good luck for every family member to stir the pudding and make a wish. Then a coin would be added for luck. Whoever found the coin would be assured of good luck for the coming year and have their wish come true.


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