National Plum Pudding Day is a delightful celebration that takes place on February 12th each year, dedicated to the delectable and rich dessert known as plum pudding. This traditional British dish holds a special place in culinary history, often associated with festive occasions and holiday celebrations.
Plum pudding, despite its name, does not necessarily contain plums in the modern sense. Originally, plums referred to a wide variety of dried fruits, including raisins and currants, which are key ingredients in this classic dessert. The pudding is a steamed or boiled concoction of suet, flour, breadcrumbs, sugar, and a mix of dried fruits, often soaked in alcohol for added flavor.
The roots of plum pudding can be traced back to medieval England, where a mix of meat, fruits, and spices were combined in a dish known as “frumenty.” Over time, the recipe evolved, and by the 17th century, the meat was replaced with suet, and the mixture became more dessert-like. By the Victorian era, plum pudding had become synonymous with Christmas celebrations, and it was traditionally prepared on “Stir-Up Sunday,” the last Sunday before Advent.
To honor National Plum Pudding Day, many enthusiasts gather in their kitchens to recreate this time-honored recipe. The preparation involves mixing the ingredients thoroughly, often incorporating symbolic charms or coins for added fun. The pudding is then steamed or boiled for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and creating a dense, moist texture.
Serving plum pudding is a spectacle in itself. Once the pudding is cooked and cooled, it is often flambéed with brandy just before serving, creating a dramatic presentation. Accompanied by a rich sauce, such as brandy butter or custard, the plum pudding delivers a symphony of flavors that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and nostalgia associated with festive occasions.
While plum pudding is undeniably linked to Christmas, National Plum Pudding Day provides an opportunity for individuals to savor this traditional dessert throughout the year. Whether enjoyed as a comforting winter treat or a nod to culinary history, this day invites people to embrace the art of pudding-making and indulge in a slice of this timeless delight.
Classic Plum Pudding Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup suet, shredded
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup currants
- 1/2 cup candied peel, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brandy (plus extra for flaming)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded suet, flour, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, raisins, currants, candied peel, chopped almonds, mixed spice, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring continuously to create a moist and cohesive batter.
- Stir in the brandy to enhance the flavor of the pudding.
- Grease a pudding basin and pack the mixture into it, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion during steaming.
- Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper or foil, securing it with a string tied around the rim.
- Steam the pudding for about 3-4 hours. You can use a steamer or improvise by placing the basin on a rack inside a large pot with simmering water, ensuring the water level stays consistent.
- Once steamed, allow the pudding to cool. Store it in a cool, dark place until ready to serve.
- On the day of serving, reheat the pudding by steaming it for an additional 1-2 hours.
- Just before serving, warm a generous amount of brandy and carefully pour it over the pudding. Ignite the brandy for a dramatic flambé effect.
- Serve the plum pudding with your favorite sauce, such as brandy butter or custard.
Enjoy this timeless dessert, rich in history and flavor, as a delightful treat for special occasions or on National Plum Pudding Day!
Gourmet Plum Pudding with Spiced Red Wine Reduction:
Ingredients:
For the Plum Pudding:
- 1 cup high-quality suet, finely grated
- 1 cup organic all-purpose flour
- 1 cup artisanal breadcrumbs
- 1 cup organic dark brown sugar
- 1 cup premium dried cherries
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup dried figs, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel, homemade if possible
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of sea salt
- Zest of 1 organic orange
- Zest of 1 organic lemon
- 3 large free-range eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup premium brandy
For the Spiced Red Wine Reduction:
- 1 bottle of full-bodied red wine
- 1/2 cup organic honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely grated suet, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, dark brown sugar, dried cherries, dates, figs, candied orange peel, slivered almonds, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, sea salt, orange zest, and lemon zest.
- Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add the whole milk to the mixture, stirring continuously until a rich, moist batter forms.
- Gently fold in the premium brandy to enhance the flavors of the pudding.
- Grease a gourmet pudding basin with butter and pack the mixture into it, allowing room for expansion during steaming.
- Cover the basin with a layer of parchment paper and foil, securing it with kitchen twine.
- Steam the pudding for 4-5 hours, ensuring a tender and rich texture.
- While the pudding steams, prepare the spiced red wine reduction. In a saucepan, combine the red wine, honey, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and star anise. Simmer over low heat until the mixture is reduced to a thick, flavorful syrup.
- Allow the pudding to cool, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, reheat the pudding by steaming for an additional 1-2 hours.
- To serve, unmold the pudding onto a decorative platter and drizzle with the spiced red wine reduction.
- Garnish with extra slivered almonds and candied orange peel for a visually stunning and gourmet touch.
Indulge in this exquisite gourmet plum pudding, marrying rich flavors and luxurious ingredients for a memorable culinary experience.
Keto-Friendly Plum Pudding with Almond Flour:
Ingredients:
For the Plum Pudding:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup erythritol or preferred keto-friendly sweetener
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped unsweetened dried plums (prunes)
For the Keto-Friendly Brandy Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol
- 1 tablespoon keto-friendly brandy or whiskey extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a small keto-friendly pudding basin or individual molds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, erythritol, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped unsweetened dried plums (prunes) into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pudding basin or molds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the keto-friendly brandy butter by mixing softened butter, powdered erythritol, and keto-friendly brandy or whiskey extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Allow the plum pudding to cool slightly before removing it from the basin or molds.
- Serve slices of the keto plum pudding with a dollop of the keto-friendly brandy butter.
Enjoy this keto-friendly twist on plum pudding, satisfying your sweet cravings while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle.
