Can you use vodka to flame a Christmas pudding?
This plumps up the fruits and, as well as being a flavourful addition, the alcohol helps to preserve the pudding. Nigella flames her pudding with vodka as the high alcohol content of the vodka means that it will burn well, though you could use the more traditional brandy or whisky instead.
Does the alcohol cook out of Christmas pudding?
Research reveals that alcohol in a Christmas pudding does not entirely evaporate during cooking but it is not enough to raise intoxication levels. Christmas puddings infused with Alcohol threaten to push motorists over the drink-drive limit, research shows.
Can you light a Christmas pudding with Whisky?
Pour 2-3 tablespoons of brandy, rum or whisky into a long-handled metal ladle and heat it over a gas flame until hot. Light the spirit by tilting the ladle slightly over the gas flame so the fumes ignite, or use a match, then immediately pour it over the pudding.
What alcohol do you put in Christmas pudding?
Before lighting the pudding, clear the surface area. Gently warm the brandy in a saucepan before lighting to achieve a bigger flame. Tip the brandy to the side of the pan before lighting. Point the pan or ladle away from you when pouring over the pudding.
Why do you set fire to Christmas pudding?
Why do we light Christmas pudding? It’s said that the flaming brandy represents the Passion of Christ and traditionally there were 13 ingredients in the pudding, said to represent Christ’s 13 disciples.
Can you overcook a Christmas pudding?
Remember, it is hard to overcook a Christmas pudding, so if it isn’t done at the stated time in the recipe, don’t be afraid to put it back on for longer. It’s quite hard to overcook a Christmas pudding when steaming, be it in a slow cooker or in a pan.
How do you know when Xmas pudding is cooked?
It takes longer to break down when cooked under pressure so do test the pudding by inserting a skewer into the centre of the pudding (it should come out clean) or test with a digital thermometer; you’re looking for 75˚C as a minimum reading when it is fully cooked through.
How do you tell if steamed pudding is cooked?
To test if the pudding is cooked insert a skewer, piercing the foil and paper. Wiggle the skewer to make the foil and paper hole a bit bigger than the skewer and pull out. If the skewer comes out clean the pud is cooked; if not pop back in and carry on cooking for another 10-20 mins at a time.
How do you keep a Christmas pudding from going Mouldy?
To avoid mould, we recommend you wrap the cooled pudding in plastic wrap and seal it in a freezer bag or airtight container.
Why dont Christmas puddings go Mouldy?
If you are making your Christmas pudding ahead of time, or on the traditional day Stir Up Sunday, it’s good to feed your pudding to keep it moist. Depending on what you use to feed the pudding, it can also act as a preservative and prevent the pudding from developing mould or allowing the growth of any bacteria.
Why does Christmas pudding last so long?
Traditionally a Christmas pudding is made with dried fruit, nuts, candied peel, and spices. Ordinarily, people will make their puddings weeks in advance and preserve them so that the fruits and spices have time to mature. After the initial cook, you can feed the pudding more alcohol so it will keep until Christmas.
How long does Christmas pudding last in fridge?
Left over Christmas pudding will usually keep for up to 2 weeks if kept refrigerated.
How far in advance can you make Christmas puddings?
6 weeks
How long does Christmas pudding last once cooked?
Once the pudding is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside to cool. The pudding can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place. To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming again (in the same way) for two hours, or until hot all the way through. Alternatively, remove the foil and reheat in the microwave.
How do you store a Christmas pudding?
It is possible to store the pudding in the fridge, though this may take up quite a lot of shelf space. Alternatively you could freeze the pudding. Make sure that it is tightly wrapped on the outside in a double layer of clingfilm (plastic wrap) or foil. The pudding will freeze for up to a year.
Do you need to keep Christmas pudding in the fridge?
Q: Do I need to store my Christmas Pudding in the fridge? A: No, the alcohol acts slightly as a preservative but mostly the sugar will preserve the pudding as long as it is stored in a cool dark dry place. Not storing your pudding in the fridge will also make more space for those items that need fridge storage.
Can you reheat Christmas pudding more than once?
It is possible to reheat the Christmas pudding in a microwave. This should be enough to warm the pudding through. We would however caution on reheating leftovers if you follow this second method as foods should really only be reheated twice.
Can you microwave Xmas pudding?
cook your pudding in the microwave. Loosely cover the pudding (or mini puddings) with a piece of cling film. Microwave on medium-high (600 watts) for 3 minutes, leave to stand for 1 minute and cook for a further 3 minutes.
Are shop bought Christmas puddings already cooked?
It’s your choice – just be sure to not overdo it because it is already fully cooked. Alternative method: Remove pudding from out packaging (calico or canister) and place into boiling water in the vacuum-sealed bag. There is no real need to wrap in cloth because the pudding is already fully sealed.