7th Generation Family Christmas Pudding Recipe

This recipe has been in the family for 7 generations.

2017 – I made this year’s Christmas pudding under the guidance of my 96-year-old grandmother. It was fun cooking a family recipe with someone who will not be here forever.


Soak Fruit

1kg of mixed dried fruit

1 cup of sherry

250g chopped dates

150g of chopped macadamia or almonds

Cream in a very large bowl

225g of soft butter (keep remaining butter and wrapper to grease pudding basins)

1 cup of brown sugar

1.5 teaspoons of grated orange rind

1.5 teaspoons of grated lemon rind

5-6 well beaten eggs

Dry mix

2 cups of wholemeal plain flour

1 tablespoon of cocoa

1 teaspoon of each, nutmeg, ginger, mixed spice, cinnamon, bi-carb powder

0.5 teaspoon of salt

Mixing together

First mix a portion of dry mix and fruit together so fruit is coated with dry mix, then add to cream mix. Repeat, repeat, repeat until all is mixed together.

Cooking

Grease well pudding basins (and fitted lids). Put mixture into basins about 3/4 full.

Steam for 2.5 – 4 hours depending on size, ensuring that water is half way up the basin and keeps boiling.

Check skewer when done, don’t be afraid to cook extra.

Sprinkle with brandy and keep in the fridge.

Optional

Add milk if too dry, add breadcrumbs or flour if to wet.