07 October 2015

Foolproof Christmas Pudding


We were talking about Christmas puddings at the last card making day and this recipe was mentioned, then Maureen emailed to ask for it. I thought I'd start the Christmas baking season off by sharing it with you too.

This Christmas pudding recipe was contributed to the Cheapskates Club Recipe File by Cheapskater Pamela G and it has been a hit ever since.  I featured it on the $25 and $80 Christmas Dinners tip sheet back in 2011, it's been featured on A Current Affair and we eat it regularly. Wayne just loves Christmas pudding and this one is so quick and easy (and cheap) it has become one of our favourite winter desserts.

Since I've been charged with organising our family Christmas this has also been my go-to recipe for a yummy, steamed Christmas pud, and everyone loves it.

Foolproof Christmas Pudding 

Ingredients:
2 cups plain flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
2 tbsp butter
2 cups mixed dried fruit
1 tsp bicarb soda
1-1/2 cups boiling water

Method:
Put flour, sugar, spice and fruit in mixing bowl.  Dissolve bicarb soda in boiling water, add butter
and stir to melt, then pour over other ingredients and stir well. Put mixture in well-greased 6 cup pudding basin, cover with greased paper and foil, and then tie down. Stand overnight. Next day place in saucepan of simmering water and cook 3-1/2 hours, topping up water as necessary. Do not allow the pot to boil dry.

Note:  Butter the pudding basin well and line the base with two layers of baking paper cut to fit.
When the pudding is cooked, turn out of the pudding basin. Wash the basin, butter and return pudding to basin until ready to serve. This will stop the pudding from sticking to the basin when it cools.

There is no alcohol in this recipe to act as a preservative so I keep this pudding wrapped in baking paper and then foil, in the bowl, in the fridge until I want to use it. Then I just slice it and warm it in the microwave. Alternatively you could steam it again, as per the cooking instructions, for about two hours. The microwave heating is easier for me and it doesn't heat up the house, always an issue for an Aussie Christmas.

I use Aldi flour, sugar, butter and dried fruit. My spices I buy from Hindustan Imports.

The fruit can be soaked overnight in brandy if you like, then follow the recipe.

I can make this pudding for $2.70 and cut it into 12 serves, making each serve just 22 cents.



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5 comments:

  1. Thanks for the awesome recipe Cath, my traditional family pudding is quite pricey to make so this year I'll try your recipe.

    Thanks again, love your recipes.

    Ann

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  2. Thank you Cath, this is a great saving. I hope you don't mind a few questions I have. ;-)

    How long can this pudding be kept in the fridge? I also microwave for reheating, as only my husband and I like plum pudding in our family. That said, I could eat it over several days, and have been known to eat leftover pudding for breakfast over Christmas/New Year!! Can this be made ahead (like now) and frozen? I'm also wondering if plum puddings can be cooked in a slow cooker? Sorry for all the questions! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kaye we always have Christmas pudding for breakfast on Boxing Day - I like it fried in a little butter :)

      I've kept it for about 3 months in the fridge, wrapped tightly. it freezes beautifully. I slice it, wrap it in baking paper and then double wrap in clingwrap (just to make sure it doesn't get freezer burn). Then I just take a slice, put it in a bowl and heat it on high for 2 minutes (check your time, your microwave may need more or less time).

      You can do puddings in the slow cooker and I have a recipe for Slow Cooker Christmas Pudding ( http://www.debtfreecashedupandlaughing.com.au/2014/11/slower-cooker-christmas-pudding.html ). It costs a little more but is still a very cheap pudding to make.

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    2. Thanks so much Cath! I will probably freeze it, and I will look up the slow cooker pudding recipe you have as well. :-)

      Delete
  3. Wow such a simple recipe Cath, thank you.

    My mum usually makes the Christmas pudding, but I am going to try this recipe anyway. It will definitely get eaten in this house! Or I could gift it to someone :)

    xTania

    ReplyDelete

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