Plum Pudding

Plum Pudding is a traditional holiday dessert rich in flavor and history, often served at Christmas in many parts of the world. Despite its name, this pudding doesn’t actually contain plums but instead uses dried fruits like raisins and currants, combined with warm spices and a splash of brandy or rum. The mixture is steamed for several hours, resulting in a dense, moist, and flavorful dessert. Typically served with a dollop of brandy butter or custard, plum pudding is a festive and indulgent treat that brings warmth and joy to any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup currants
• 1/2 cup chopped dried figs or dates
• 1/4 cup chopped candied peel (optional)
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the raisins, currants, dried figs, and candied peel (if using). Pour the brandy or rum over the fruit and let it soak for at least 1 hour or overnight for extra flavor.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
3. Add the soaked fruit mixture, breadcrumbs, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, and orange zest to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the milk until the batter is thick but still spoonable.
5. Grease a pudding mold or heatproof bowl and spoon the batter into it. Cover the top with a layer of parchment paper and then tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Place the pudding mold in a large pot with enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the mold. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding for about 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water doesn’t evaporate (add more water as needed).
7. After steaming, carefully remove the pudding from the pot and let it cool slightly before unmolding.
8. Serve warm with brandy butter, whipped cream, or custard.

This traditional plum pudding is a deliciously rich and festive dessert, perfect for celebrating the holidays with family and friends!