Superb English Plum Pudding

A traditional rich Christmas pudding packed with dried fruits, citrus peel, and warm spices, generously soaked in cognac. This luxurious dessert is steamed to perfection and flambéed for a spectacular presentation.

12 servings
106 hr 30 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound seedless raisins
  • 1 pound sultana raisins
  • ½ pound currants
  • 1 cup thinly sliced citron
  • 1 cup chopped candied peel
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon mace
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound finely chopped suet - powdery fine
  • cups cognac
  • pounds fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 cup scalded milk
  • 1 cup sherry or port
  • 12 whole eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup Cognac

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Blend the fruits, citron, peel, spices and suet and place in a bowl or jar. Add 1/4 cup cognac, cover tightly and refrigerate for 4 days, adding 1/4 cup cognac each day.

    5760 min

  2. 2.

    Soak the bread crumbs in milk and sherry or port. Combine the well-beaten eggs and sugar. Blend with the fruit mixture. Add salt and mix thoroughly. Put the pudding in buttered bowls or tins, filling them about 2/3 full. Cover with foil and tie it firmly. Steam for 6-7 hours. Uncover and place in a 250°F. oven for 30 minutes. Add a dash of cognac to each pudding, cover with foil and keep in a cool place.

    450 min

  3. 3.

    To use, steam again for 2-3 hours and unmold. Sprinkle with sugar; add heated cognac. Ignite and bring to the table. Serve with hard sauce or cognac sauce.

    180 min