Plum Pudding

Everyone has heard of plum pudding and knows that it is often associated with Christmas, but did you know that it is not made with plums? We traveled to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco where all of Dickens' most beloved characters were brought to life. There we were able to explore the streets of Victorian London and sample some of Dickens' favorite foods, Christmas classics, and London staples. We met up with Mrs. Cuthbert at her tea shoppe to sample some classic tea treats, and she had a pudding to offer us…but no plums! So we asked why we hear everyone talk about plum pudding, yet we were unable to find it. Her answer?

"Well, the word plum pudding actually indicates that the pudding is 'plum' full of everything. It's not a literal plum. It is generally made with dried fruits that are soaked in some form of liquid, sometimes alcohol, and then aged for quite a while."

So "plum" is really just an adjective! Who knew?

Plum Pudding

By Mother Christmas (Laura Jones)

1/4 cup butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 cup milk

12 dates, pitted and chopped

1/4 cup dried currants

1/4 cup candied mixed fruit peel, chopped

1 orange, zested

1/2 cup raisins

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup self-rising flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 pinch salt

1 well greased pudding mold

1. In large saucepan combine butter, sugar, milk, dates, raisins, currants, candied fruit peel, and the zest from the orange. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and stir in baking soda. Sift in the flour, cinnamon and salt. Stir gently until blended. Pour into mold, cover with wax paper. Steam for two hours.

Caramel Sauce for Plum Pudding

2 cups water

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons water

1. In a saucepan combine water (2 cups), butter, and brown sugar. Bring to boil and remove from heat.

2. In a small cup mix together cornstarch and water (3 tablespoons). Stir mixture into sauce. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

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