Today, I want to present to you a delicious, easy-to-make recipe, perfect for Christmas, just as its name suggests.

This easy Christmas pudding is filled with rich flavors and festive charm, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday table.

Let's dive into the details and learn how to create this classic dish with a modern twist.

Instructions

• Chop the dried fruits into smaller pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the roughly chopped walnuts.

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• In the same bowl, combine the egg, milk, rum, vanilla essence, spices, butter, lard, flour, breadcrumbs, and candied orange and lemon peel.

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• Mix well to create a thick batter.

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• Grease a pudding bowl with butter and pour the batter into it.
• Cover the top with parchment paper.

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• Then secure it with two layers of aluminum foil. Tie a string around the bowl to keep everything in place and make it watertight.
• Place the pudding bowl in a large, deep pot. Pour enough water to come halfway up the sides of the bowl.

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• Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce to a simmer and steam for 4 hours. Check the water level regularly and top it up with boiling water as needed.
• Once done, carefully remove the bowl, take off the foil and parchment.

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• Invert the pudding onto a plate. Let it cool down and make the glaze.

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• Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
• Gradually blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar.
• Whisk in the milk until you achieve a smooth consistency.

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• Pour the glaze over the pudding.

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• I use the glaze to give the pudding a "snowy" appearance by drizzling it lightly on top.
• Remove any excess glaze from the sides for a cleaner look.

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• I prefer not to fully coat the pudding, but you can adjust the amount of glaze according to your taste.
• Decorate with something Christmasy looking such as rosemary and candied cherries and enjoy.

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• Keep in mind that it needs to be refrigerated due to the cream cheese.

The Inspiration Behind This Easy Christmas Pudding

This Christmas pudding recipe draws inspiration from the traditional English Christmas pudding, a dish with roots in medieval England. Originally, Christmas puddings were known as "plum puddings" and were first created as a savory dish containing meat, dried fruits, and spices. Over time, the recipe evolved into a dessert, symbolizing abundance and celebration. Its rich blend of ingredients, like dried fruits, spices, and suet, made it a staple for festive occasions.

Traditional English Christmas pudding often includes suet (a type of animal fat) and is aged for weeks or even months to allow the flavors to mature. It is also traditionally doused in brandy and set alight before serving, creating a dramatic presentation.

In contrast, my version skips the suet in favor of butter and lard and introduces a cream cheese glaze instead of the classic brandy or rum sauce.

These adaptations make the dish closer to my Romanian heritage without sacrificing its celebratory essence.

The combination of Christmas pudding ingredients like dried fruits, walnuts, and spices creates a harmony of flavors. The addition of rum infuses the pudding with a subtle warmth, while the candied citrus peel adds a refreshing tang.

The cream cheese glaze provides a modern, creamy finish, making this an easy Christmas pudding perfect for those who want to enjoy a piece of history with a contemporary twist.

This adaptation reflects the spirit of tradition while embracing modern tastes and conveniences. It's a nod to history but tailored for today's home cooks, ensuring it's accessible and delicious for all.

FAQ About Christmas Pudding

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Christmas puddings (without the glaze):

Q: Can Christmas pudding be frozen?

A: Yes, it can be frozen for up to a year. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.

Q: Can Christmas pudding go off?

A: If stored correctly in a cool, dry place, it can last for months. However, always check for signs of mold or spoilage before consuming.

Q: What does Christmas pudding taste like?

A: It has a rich, fruity flavor with warm spice notes, complemented by the cream cheese glaze in this version.

Q: What is Christmas pudding in England?

A: An English Christmas pudding is a dense, steamed dessert made with dried fruits, spices, and suet, traditionally served with brandy sauce.

Q: Christmas pudding vs. fruitcake: What's the difference?

A: While both contain dried fruits and spices, Christmas pudding is steamed and has a softer, more moist texture compared to the baked, dense fruitcake.

Conclusion

I hope you'll try this delightful dish and share your experience with us. Don't forget to check out the full video of this easy Christmas pudding recipe on YouTube and show your support by liking and subscribing. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

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