Christmas Pudding, A Typical Christmas Dish from England
Almost every country has a typical Christmas dish. From England, there is a dish called ‘Christmas pudding‘. The puddings containing various dried fruit, it takes a long time to make it. Served in a way burned until the aroma is very fragrant!
Christmas pudding is sometimes referred to as plum pudding or plum duff. The size is medium, slightly round shape, the color is dark brown. When served, this pudding is usually poured white sauce and decorated with fruit and holly leaves.
Early on, this pudding was made in the 1420’s. In autumn, people ran out of animal feed. As a result all remaining livestock is slaughtered. The meat is stored in a bread box with dried fruit as a preservative.
Over time, people are created in such a way with the food that produces a mince pie and pottage. Both foods are meat-based, dried fruit, and spices, is the forerunner of Christmas pudding is more dominated by sweet ingredients.
Almost all aspects of making Christmas pudding refer to the rules of the Roman Catholic Church of England in the Middle Ages. Starting from the time of manufacture, the amount of material, with how to stir the dough is used as a symbol associated with a particular event. This pudding was further confirmed as a typical Christmas dish in the 1830’s.
Christmas pudding recipes are different in each family, usually inherited from generation to generation. The main ingredients are flour, sweet spices, suet (cow fat or raw goat), and dried fruits (eg plums, sultanas, and raisins).
The dark color of the pudding comes from brown sugar, black treacle (sugarcane syrup that does not crystallize in the making of granulated sugar), and long cooking time. In order to soft, in the dough Christmas pudding often added orange juice. Inside the dough is also added silver coins worth threepence or sixpence. People who find this coin may keep it, because it is believed to bring prosperity in the coming year.
There is a special ritual performed while stirring the dough. Every member of the family should stir it while mentioning the prayer in the heart. Traditionally, the dough of Christmas pudding is wrapped in cloth and steamed, so the shape is round when it is finished. However, in the early 20th century, the fabric was replaced with a basin coated with aluminum foil, covered with oil paper, and tied with yarn. The old steaming time may be shortened by a pressed pan.
Christmas pudding that has been cooked and then hung for weeks or put into the refrigerator to taste better. When it will be served, Christmas pudding steamed again to warm. After that the pudding was doused with brandy and burned. The fire will be seen blazing over the pudding. After that, the pudding was brought to the table and was greeted with applause from the whole family and guests.
Christmas pudding usually made 4-5 weeks before Christmas. This pudding does have a very long time save, which is up to two years. Therefore, Christmas pudding is sometimes enjoyed also during Easter or Christmas in the following year.
Below are some pictures about Christmas pudding: