Made on Stir Up Sunday, Christmas pudding has graced the British table for centuries. Though the pudding recently had a blip when it was pushed aside for lighter puds, we missed it. So, happily, the Christmas pudding is back, along with the festive feelings and wonderful memories it brings.
Sadly, 70% of puddings served on Christmas Day are shop bought. What a shame. They are so easy to make; though the pudding needs a long steaming, all that is required during that time is to check the water does not boil dry. What could be easier? Not making our puds means we risk losing that age-old tradition of Stir Up Sunday.
What is Stir Up Sunday?
Stir Up Sunday is the last Sunday before Advent, coincidentally giving the right amount of time for the pudding to mature and be ready for Christmas. The custom’s significance is that it brings the whole family together as each takes a turn to stir the mixture, make a wish and – if you want – add coins. Finding the coins on Christmas day purportedly brings wealth, health, and happiness.
For me, the delicious aroma floating through the house as the pudding steams on the stove is the start of Christmas. So go on, give it a go. It really is simple, and the results are worth it, especially sharing the making with the family.
You can find my Christmas Pudding Recipe in the baking section. Also, other festive recipes such as Christmas Cake and Stollen.
If you like these recipes, check out others here on the site. And there are many more on Spruce Eats and, more recently, on Food52.
MORE THAN YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS
My new book, More Than Yorkshire Puddings is now out, and you can order directly from my publisher’s Great Northern Books or all the usual outlets.
