I wanted to ask you a question. Did you know February 12th is National Plum Pudding Day #NationalPlumPuddingDay? I don’t know about you but Charlie and I’ve never had Plum Pudding and I don’t think we want any day.
I also can’t see David eating Plum Pudding but with David you never know he might surprise me and try Plum Pudding. Now, the question is have you had Plum Pudding? Did you like it? Would you have Plum Pudding again?
Now, I have a question for you. Did you know Plum Pudding contains no Plums? That’s because Raisins were often called “Plums” in 17th Century Great Britain. So what does this traditional Plum or Christmas Pudding actually contain?
This steamed or boiled concoction features Nutmeg, Raisins, Nuts, Apples, Cinnamon, and Dates. Plum Pudding is traditionally served during the holidays, this often overlooked dish gets a second chance to impress everyone on February 12th, which is known as National Plum Pudding Day.
National Plum Pudding Day Activities
- If you have the means and the opportunity make your own Plum Pudding can be a lot of fun. Invite your friends over to participate in stirring the boiling Pudding and making a wish of their own. Then wait and enjoy the Plum Pudding with your favorite adult beverage. How about Mulled Wine anyone?
- Whether you choose to do it at work, or at home with your friends and family, requiring everyone to get involved to make their family’s Plum Pudding recipe is a lot of fun! If Plum Pudding is a new venture for certain people, have them put their own spin on the traditional favorite. The person with the best Plum Pudding (voted by the group) wins bragging rights till next year’s challenge.
- A simple and quick way to enjoy Plum Pudding is by consuming Plum Pudding first thing in the morning. Whether it’s homemade or store bought, enjoy a slice of Plum Pudding with your morning Coffee, Tea, Milk, or Water. Second helping of Plum Pudding throughout the day may be necessary, but not required.
Why People Love National Plum Pudding Day
Plum Pudding contains a hefty amount of Nuts and Berries, making Plum Pudding a delicious and nutritious dessert. Whether you are consuming the whole thing, or just having a taste, you don’t have to feel super guilty for breaking your diet well into the New Year. That alone is a good enough reason to celebrate National Plum Pudding Day isn’t it?
There are certain food items that we normally only consume during a specific time of year. Many people wait months to order a “PSL” (Pumpkin Spice Latte), but National Plum Pudding Day allows us to indulge in a dessert that is traditionally consumed during December.
We all love unique opportunities to increase our luck and chance to acquire the unattainable with the use of a wish. Many search for four-leaf clovers on St. Patrick’s Day, but you don’t have to wait that long. A British tradition while making Plum Pudding is to have the family stir the pot and make a wish while doing so. What are you waiting for? Let’s get into the kitchen and make Plum Pudding with our families.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) plums, drained, pitted and chopped
- 1-3/4 cups chopped dates
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- HARD SAUCE:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum or orange juice
Directions
Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat hard sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Unmold pudding onto a serving plate; serve warm with sauce.
Generously grease an 8-cup pudding mold, metal gelatin mold or ovenproof bowl; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, mix bread crumbs, flour, orange zest, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, salt and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture. Fold in plums, dates, raisins, carrots and currants.
Transfer to prepared pudding mold. Cover tightly with heavy-duty foil; tie foil with kitchen string to secure.
Place on a rack in a stockpot; add 3 in. hot water to pot. Bring water to a gentle boil; steam cake, covered, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 2 to 2-1/2 hours, adding more water to pot as needed. Remove pudding from pot; let stand 5 minutes before unmolding.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
