Classic Christmas Pudding
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Stir-Up Sunday
What is Stir-up Sunday?
Stir-Up Sunday is a tradition going back to Victorian times where families would gather together to make their Christmas pudding on the last Sunday before Advent begins. The tradition stems from opening words of The Book of Common Prayer, used on the last Sunday before Advent; "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people,"
Stir-Up Sunday Traditions
- A stir and a wish by each family member from East to West, to remember the Wise Men that visited Jesus in the Nativity Story.
- 13 ingredients were traditionally used to represent Jesus and his disciples.
- Garnishing with holly represented the crown of thorns. Opt for a fake sprig of holly though, as holly berries are actually very toxic!
- Adding coins or charms to the pudding was said to bring luck if you found them in your piece. A silver coin for wealth, a wishbone for luck, a thimble for thrift, a ring for marriage, and an anchor for safe harbour. A lovely tradition but we don't recommend trying this one yourself!
Classic Christmas Pudding
A traditional recipe for a classic christmas pudding. Perfect to make on Stir-Up Sunday.
To make this classic christmas pudding (serves 10/12) You will need...
| Code | Product | Pack Size | For 10/12 servings |
| 2507 | Vegetarian Suet | 200g | 110g |
| 37891 | Whole Almonds | 1kg | 25g |
| From The Fruitbowl | Small Cooking Apple | 1 | |
| From The Fruitbowl | Grated Orange Zest | 1/2 large orange | |
| From The Fruitbowl | Grated Lemon Zest | 1/2 large lemon | |
| From The Cupboard | Rum | 2tbsp | |
| From The Cupboard | Barley Wine | 75ml | |
| From The Cupboard | Stout | 75ml | |
| From The Cupboard | Large Eggs | 2 | |
| 91765 | Self-Raising Flour | 1.5kg | 50g |
| 70598 | Breadcrumbs | 1kg | 110g |
| 78894 | Mixed Spice | 370g | 1tsp |
| 24180 | Ground Nutmeg | 500gm | 1/4tsp |
| 38170 | Ground Cinnamon | 370g | A pinch |
| 88538 | Brown Sugar | 3kg | 225g |
| 62562 | Dried Mix Fruit & Peel | 3kg | 520g |
| 9829 | Brandy Sauce | 1ltr |
To Make...
- Begin by mixing together the suet, breadcrumbs, spices and sugar. Then mix in all the dried fruit, peel and nuts, then the apple and the grated orange and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl pour out the rum, stout and barley wine. Add the eggs and beat together. Pour into the other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Traditionally, All the family will have a go at stirring the mix whilst making a wish!
- Once stirred well, cover the bowl and leave overnight.
- The following day, stir in the sifted flour and put the mixture into a lightly greased basin. Cover it with a double layer of baking parchment and a sheet of foil and use string to tie it tightly. Put the pudding in a steamer over a saucepan filled with simmering water, and steam the pudding for 8 hours. Top up with boiling water if necessary.
- When the pudding is done, leave it to cool then replace the baking parchment and foil with fresh ones. Making a string handle is a good idea to help with handling.
On Christmas Day...
- Fill a saucepan with boiling water and place on the heat. When it comes to the boil, place a steamer on top of the pan and turn it down to a gentle simmer. Put the Christmas Pudding in the steamer cover and leave to steam for 2hrs 15 mins. Ensure the water is kept topped up.
- When done, remove from the steamer and take out of the wrapping.
- Warm brandy over direct heat using a ladle. As soon as the brandy is hot, light it by tilting the ladle slightly over the gas flame so the fumes ignite, or use a match, then immediately pour it over the pudding. Carefully take it to the table and wait for the flames to go out before serving.
- Serve with brandy sauce and enjoy!
