How do you light a Christmas pudding with a fire?
Light the spirit by tilting the ladle slightly over the gas flame so the fumes ignite, or use a match, then immediately pour it over the pudding. Carefully take it to the table and wait for the flames to go out before serving. Or, how about...?
Why is there 13 ingredients in a Christmas pudding?
It's said that the flaming brandy represents the Passion of Christ and traditionally there were 13 ingredients in the pudding, said to represent Christ's 13 disciples. We always thought the garnish of holly on top was a nod toward festive decoration and cheer, but some say it represents the crown of thorns.
Do you eat Christmas pudding at Christmas?
Even in these hard and strange times, Christmas will be celebrated and traditions upheld. And for many British households, Christmas dinner would not be complete without a Christmas pudding – traditionally served with brandy sauce, brandy butter or custard.
What is the origin of Christmas pudding?
The Christmas pudding originated in the 14th-century as a sort of porridge, originally known as “ frumenty ”, which bears little resemblance to the dessert we know today. It was originally made with hulled wheat, boiled in milk, seasoned with cinnamon and coloured with saffron.
Where does the tradition of lighting the Christmas pudding come from?
Christmas puddingA Christmas pudding decorated with skimmia rather than hollyAlternative namesPlum pudding, pudTypePuddingPlace of originEnglandRegion or stateUnited Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Caribbean3 more rows
Why do people burn figgy pudding?
As with many traditional Christmas desserts, plum pudding incorporates symbolism reflective of Christ such as the holly (representing the crown of thorns), and setting the pudding on fire (representing the passion of Christ).
Does Christmas pudding need to be heated?
Ideally we would suggest that when the pudding is made it is steamed for 8 hours (the combined time of the first and second steamings) as the steaming is important for the flavour of the pudding. The pudding can then be microwaved to reheat it on Christmas Day.
Why do you steam a Christmas pudding?
Unlike an oven, steaming adds moisture to the cake during the cooking process making it incredibly moist. Unlike in the oven, which uses dry heat. I am a sucker for a steamed pudding because they are just so incredibly moist and flavorful. Also the longer you leave them before eating the better the flavor.
What's the difference between figgy pudding and Christmas pudding?
" 'Figgy' — certainly at some time figs would have been incorporated into Christmas pudding recipes, but today, not traditionally." It's also a pudding in the British sense, meaning dessert — not the creamy, custardy dish most Americans associate with the word. It's a steamed cake full of raisins, currants and brandy.
Is Xmas pudding healthy?
Rich in fruits and flavours, Christmas pudding is not just irresistibly delicious Christmas dessert but also has surprisingly high nutritious value. The good news is, you don't have to wait till Christmas to enjoy the pudding, and you can enjoy our traditional and gourmet pudding any time in any season!
Are Christmas puddings already cooked?
It's your choice – just be sure to not overdo it because it is already fully cooked.
Can I microwave a Christmas pudding instead of steaming?
Yes! With the right recipe, you can save heaps of time and effort by cooking your pudding in the microwave. Cooking traditional Christmas puddings involves hours and hours of boiling (at least 6 hours, and sometimes much more), which not everyone has time for in the busy festive season.
Is it better to steam or microwave Christmas pudding?
Steaming is definitely the best. Microwaved puddings are frequently ruined. They tend to overheat and get tough & sticky. Steaming lightens the pudding and after taking so much care to make your own pudding it's such a shame to not steam it.
Can you overcook Xmas pudding?
Remember, it is hard to overcook a Christmas pudding, so if it isn't done at the stated time in the recipe, don't be afraid to put it back on for longer.
Can you over steam a Christmas pudding?
As steaming is a very gentle form of cooking it is difficult to overcook the puddings, so the same steaming time for both size basins is fine.
How long do you need to steam a Christmas pudding?
Put the Christmas Pudding in the steamer cover and leave to steam for 2hrs 15 mins. You'll need to check the water from time to time and maybe top it up a bit. When you are ready to serve the pudding, remove from the steamer and take off the wrapping.
What is the tradition of figgy pudding?
Figgy pudding (or plum, which was the name for any kind of dried fruit back in the day) originated in 14th-century Britain as a way to preserve food. A soup-like dish, it was served as a fasting meal in preparation for the Christmas season. Beef and mutton were mixed with raisins and prunes, wines and spices.
Do you light figgy pudding on fire?
0:571:56FLAMING A CHRISTMAS PUDDING - Set Fire to your Pud - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're just going to heat that brandy through as the brandy heats through. And as we tip. TheMoreAnd we're just going to heat that brandy through as the brandy heats through. And as we tip. The brandy towards the flame. If it's hot enough we should be able to get that flame coming on the brandy.
What does figgy pudding taste like?
Figgy pudding is a moist cake full of dried fruit, and tastes similar to plum pudding. Traditionally, it's steamed in a pot of boiling water, and is aged in a cool, dark place for a few weeks before serving. It consists of a dense cake batter, dried fruit, nuts, spices, breadcrumbs, and brandy.
Is Figgy Pudding the same as fruit cake?
Figgy pudding — aka plum pudding, plum porridge, Christmas pudding and steamed pudding — is chockablock with dried fruit but tastes nothing like fruitcake.
Step 1
Turn the finished pudding out onto a wide-rimmed serving plate. Set the plate on the table you'll serve the pudding. Lighting the pudding at the table gives your guests about 15 to 20 seconds to view the flames before they subside and saves you from walking across the room, flambe in hand.
Step 2
Heat about 3 tablespoons of 80-proof brandy in a deep saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges, about 45 seconds. Ladle out the heated brandy using a long-handled ladle. If you have a gas stove, you can heat the brandy in the ladle, holding it a few inches above the flame.
Step 3
Hold the ladle of warm brandy just above the pudding and tilt it slightly, just enough to make the brandy easier to light without spilling any. Have a helper ignite the brandy fumes using a safety lighter or long match.
Step 4
Pour the flaming brandy over the top and sides of the pudding. Let the flame extinguish itself before serving.
A healthy pud?
Although the Christmas holidays can sometimes feel a little unhealthy – with a lot of sitting around and excessive food consumption – the ingredients that makeup a Christmas pudding are actually pretty nutritious.
A global tradition
Although a British tradition, the Christmas pudding is eaten in various countries including Australia and South Africa. The Canadians also have a version which includes potatoes alongside the carrots.
