Indulge in the timeless tradition of Christmas pudding, a quintessential dessert that embodies the spirit of the festive season. This delectable dish, steeped in history and symbolism, has graced tables for centuries, bringing joy and cheer to families and friends. Its rich, dense texture, and symphony of flavors, ranging from sweet to tangy, make it a true culinary masterpiece. Accompanied by a velvety brandy sauce, this classic dessert elevates any Christmas celebration. Our comprehensive guide presents two exceptional Christmas pudding recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved treat. The first recipe, a traditional Christmas pudding, embodies the classic flavors and techniques that have been passed down through generations. The second recipe, a gluten-free Christmas pudding, caters to those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can partake in this festive delight. Both recipes are accompanied by a luscious brandy sauce recipe, the perfect complement to the pudding's rich flavors. Join us on this culinary journey as we explore the magic of Christmas pudding and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE
We developed this classic Christmas pudding that's served with a caramel brandy sauce. Packed with fruits, nuts and spices, it's rich and delicious.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 3h
Yield 10 servings (1-1/4 cups sauce).
Number Of Ingredients 31
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first 12 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight., In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves and nutmeg; add to the creamed mixture alternately with orange and cherry juices, beating well after each addition. Stir in the fruit mixture., Pour into two well-greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover with foil. Place on a rack in each of two stockpots. Add 2 in. of boiling water to each stockpot; cover and boil gently for 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, adding water as needed. Let stand for 5 minutes before unmolding., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, egg yolk, half-and-half and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Cool to room temperature., In a large bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream and brandy into brown sugar mixture. Serve with pudding.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 515 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 424mg sodium, Carbohydrate 82g carbohydrate (62g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
DELIA'S CLASSIC CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE
This one's always been a winner in my 40 years of cookery writing.
Categories Christmas: Puddings Winter Christmas: Lunch for under £5 per head
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- Begin the day before you want to steam the pudding. Take your largest, roomiest mixing bowl and start by putting in the suet, breadcrumbs, spices and sugar. Mix these ingredients very thoroughly together, then gradually mix in all the dried fruit, mixed peel and nuts followed by the apple and the grated orange and lemon zests. Don't forget to tick everything off so as not to leave anything out. Now in a smaller basin measure out the rum, barley wine and stout, then add the eggs and beat these thoroughly together. Next pour this over all the other ingredients, and begin to mix very thoroughly. It's now traditional to gather all the family round, especially the children, and invite everyone to have a really good stir and make a wish! The mixture should have a fairly sloppy consistency - that is, it should fall instantly from the spoon when this is tapped on the side of the bowl. If you think it needs a bit more liquid add a spot more stout. Cover the bowl and leave overnight. Next day stir in the sifted flour quite thoroughly, pack the mixture into the lightly greased basin, cover it with a double sheet of silicone paper (baking parchment) and a sheet of foil and tie it securely with string (you really need to borrow someone's finger for this!). It's also a good idea to tie a piece of string across the top to make a handle. Place the pudding in a steamer set over a saucepan of simmering water and steam the pudding for 8 hours. Do make sure you keep a regular eye on the water underneath and top it up with boiling water from the kettle from time to time. When the pudding is steamed let it get quite cold, then remove the steam papers and foil and replace them with some fresh ones, again making a string handle for easier manoeuvring. Now your Christmas pudding is all ready for Christmas Day. Keep it in a cool place away from the light. Under the bed in an unheated bedroom is an ideal place. To cook: Fill a saucepan quite full with boiling water, put it on the heat and, when it comes back to the boil, place a steamer on top of the pan and turn it down to a gentle simmer. Put the Christmas pudding in the steamer, cover and leave to steam away for 2¼ hours. You'll need to check the water from time to time and maybe top it up a bit. While the pudding is steaming, make the brandy sauce. Place butter in a medium saucepan with the flour, pour in the milk then, using a balloon whisk, whisk everything vigorously together over a medium heat. As soon as it comes to simmering point and has thickened, turn the heat right down to its lowest setting, stir in the sugar and let the sauce cook for 10 minutes. After that add the brandy and the cream. Pour the hot sauce into a jug, then cover the surface with clingfilm and keep warm until required. To serve, remove the pudding from the steamer and take off the wrapping. Slide a palette knife all round the pudding, then turn it out on to a warmed plate. Place a suitably sized sprig of holly on top. Now warm a ladleful of brandy over direct heat, and as soon as the brandy is hot ask someone to set light to it. Place the ladle, now gently flaming, on top of the pudding - but don't pour it over until you reach the table. When you do, pour it slowly over the pudding, sides and all, and watch it flame to the cheers of the assembled company! When both flames and cheers have died down, serve the pudding with brandy or rum sauce, or rum or brandy butter. If you want to make individual Christmas puddings for gifts, this quantity makes three 6 oz (175 g) small metal pudding basins. Steam them for 3 hours, then re-steam for 1 hour. They look pretty wrapped in silicone paper and muslin and tied with attractive bows and tags. To make this recipe gluten-free: Replace the suet with other gluten-free or gluten-free vegetarian suet. Use gluten-free white flour and breadcrumbs made from gluten-free bread, and replace the stout and barley wine with the same amount of sherry. If you are using gluten-free flour, you will need add a pinch of baking powder to the gluten-free white flour.
NANA'S TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS STEAMED PLUM PUDDING WITH HARD SAUCE
Steps:
- Combine the molasses, butter, milk, and eggs in a mixing bowl. Next, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a large mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3 additions. Toss candied fruit and raisins lightly with flour to prevent sinking and add to batter. Stir in brandy.
- Pour into a greased and sugared steam pudding mold and place on a rack in a large covered pot with water that comes halfway up the sides of the mold. Cover and steam for 2 hours, checking occasionally to make sure water hasn't boiled out. Let cool for 5 minutes on a rack before turning out. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a sprig of holly and Hard Sauce.
- Beat all ingredients together until very well combined. Serve with pudding.
BREAD PUDDING WITH BOURBON SAUCE (LIGHTER RECIPE)
Lightening up a favorite comfort food is easy!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 1h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk and margarine over medium heat until margarine is melted and milk is hot.
- In large bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, egg and egg whites with wire whisk until well blended. Stir in bread cubes and raisins. Stir in milk mixture. Pour into ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole or 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish. Place casserole in 13x9-inch pan; pour boiling water into pan until 1 inch deep.
- Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from edge of casserole comes out clean.
- In small bowl, mix caramel sauce and bourbon until smooth. Serve sauce over warm bread pudding. Store in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Carbohydrate 63 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 440 mg
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the suet and dried fruit. This will make a big difference to the flavor of the pudding.
- Don't over-mix the batter. Over-mixing can make the pudding tough.
- Steam the pudding for the full amount of time. This will ensure that it is cooked through.
- Let the pudding cool completely before serving. This will help it to set properly.
- Serve the pudding with your favorite accompaniments, such as brandy sauce, hard sauce, or custard.
Conclusion:
Christmas pudding is a classic holiday dessert that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a rich and flavorful dessert that is perfect for a special occasion. With a little planning and effort, you can make a delicious Christmas pudding that will be a hit with your family and friends.
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