The Origin of Christmas Pudding

Christmas (or Plum) Pudding is the traditional end to the British Christmas dinner. However, what we know as Christmas pudding now is a far cry from the original pudding

Christmas pudding can be traced back to the 14th century when porridge like mixture, called ‘frumenty’ was made of beef and mutton with raisins, currants, prunes, wines and spices. This would often be more like soup and was eaten as a fasting meal in preparation for the Christmas festivities.

Towards the end of the 1500’s, frumenty had become more like a plum pudding. It had been thickened with eggs, breadcrumbs, and dried fruit and given more flavour with the addition of beer and spirits. By the mid 1600’s it had become the traditional pudding to end a Christmas meal, but in 1664 the Puritans banned it. They thought it was a ‘lewd tradition’ as the ingredients were far too rich for God-fearing people.

King George 1 was had apparently tasted and enjoyed Plum Pudding and re-instated it as part of a traditional Christmas meal in 1714. By Victorian times, Christmas Puddings had changed into something similar to the ones that are eaten today.

There are many superstitions surrounding the Christmas pudding. Some say that it should have thirteen ingredients, representing Jesus and his Disciples. In other households, everyone takes a turn to stir the pudding mixture with a wooden spoon. You should stir in an East to West direction. This custom honours the three wise men who came from the east.

Although traditionally we eat our pudding at Christmas, the sprig of holly placed on top of the pudding is said to represent Jesus’ Crown of Thorns that he wore at his crucifixion. Obviously this custom is more in keeping with Easter. Also the spectacle of flaming alcohol on a pudding 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.

Christmas Pudding Recipe

1 lb sultanas

1 lb raisins

1 lb currants

½ lb glace cherries

¼ lb mixed peel

¼ lb flaked almonds

¼ lb chopped walnuts

1tsp cinnamon

1tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp ground nutmeg

1 lb Demerara sugar

1 lb breadcrumbs

1lb suet

5 Eggs

4oz brandy

½ pint Guinness

Mix all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add liquid and stir thoroughly. Leave to stand over night. Transfer into well grease pudding basins and cover with greaseproof paper and tie around bowl. Then cover with tin foil.

Steam puddings for two hours. Cool and allow to mature for at least one month before Christmas.