Christmas Pudding

The Great Christmas Pudding
Traditions
Over the years, many superstitions have surrounded Christmas Puddings.
One superstition says that the pudding should be made
with 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and His Disciples
and that every member of the family should take turns
to stir the pudding with a wooden spoon from east to west,
in honour of the Wise Men.


Brandy or another alcoholic drink is sometimes poured over the pudding
and lit at the table to make a spectacular display.
This is said to represent Jesus' love and power.
In the Middle Ages, holly was also thought to bring good luck
and to have healing powers.
It was often planted near houses in the belief that it protected the inhabitants.
Putting a silver coin in the pudding is another age-old custom
that is said to bring luck to the person that finds it.

Mrs. Beeton's Traditional Christmas Plum Pudding
1890

Makes 1 pudding

Grease 1 basin.
5 oz breadcrumbs
4 oz of plain flour
4 oz chopped suet or modern day equivalent
4 oz currants
4 oz raisins
4 oz soft brown moist sugar
2 oz candied peel - Cut your own or use ready cut
2 oz raw grated carrot
1 teaspoon grated rind of lemon
half salt spoon nutmeg grated
1 good teaspoonful baking powder
about quarter pint of milk
2 eggs
Mix all the dry ingredients together except the baking powder.
Add the beaten eggs and sufficient milk to moisten the whole, then cover,
and let the mixture stand for about an hour.
When ready stir in the baking powder, turn into a greased mould or basin,
and boil for 6 hours or steam the plum pudding for about 7 hours.
Serve with a suitable sauce. Time 6 to 7 hours.
Sufficient for 9 persons.

Thanks, dear Michaela! I love Christmas recipes