My Great Grandmother'S Plum Pudding
A traditional hearty plum pudding with rich flavors of dried fruits, citron, and brandy, perfect for festive occasions and enjoyed by family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak bread crumbs in milk until soft.
- Beat egg yolks until creamy.
- Chop beef suet fine and mix with salt.
- Cut citron into small pieces.
- Combine soaked bread crumbs, beaten egg yolks, chopped suet, citron, raisins, mixed fruit, lemon juice, and brandy.
- Place the mixture in a tight container or bag.
- Steam for 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a moist pudding, soak the bread crumbs in milk thoroughly. If you don't have beef suet, you can substitute with unsalted butter or a plant-based fat for a lighter version. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor, or even a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This plum pudding pairs beautifully with a rich sauce, such as a brandy butter or custard. For a festive touch, top with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover plum pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, steam the pudding again for about 30 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warm. It's also delicious served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Great Grandmother'S Plum Pudding contains roughly 1319 calories, with 25g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pudding a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding a day ahead. After steaming, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate. It will develop even more flavor overnight, making it perfect for serving on special occasions.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different flavor profile. These alternatives will still provide the sweetness and texture desired in the pudding.
How can I tell when the pudding is done steaming?
The pudding is done when it has firmed up and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Steaming for 3 to 4 hours should achieve this, but check after 3 hours to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).