Nut-free Christmas pudding

Christmas pudding is a special treat enjoyed during the festive season. This nut-free version allows everyone to join in on the joys of this traditional dessert. It is rich, fruity, and incredibly festive. Making your own Nut-free Christmas pudding can bring a sense of warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. By knowing how to prepare this delightful pudding, you can create sweet memories with family and friends.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

One of the best things about Nut-free Christmas pudding is that it is packed with delicious flavors and textures. Every bite gives you hints of various fruits and spices. This pudding is moist and has a lovely, rich taste. Since it doesn’t contain nuts, it is a safe option for those with allergies.

Moreover, this recipe is simple to prepare, and you can make it in advance. This is helpful during the busy holiday season when you have many things to do. You can impress your guests with this homemade dessert that smells amazing and looks beautiful. You will love how this traditional pudding brings everyone together, sparking joy and celebration during the holidays.

HOW TO MAKE Nut-free Christmas pudding

Enjoy the process of making your Nut-free Christmas pudding by following a few simple steps. Though it may take some time, the end result is worth every minute. You’ll find it rewarding to create a dessert that everyone will love.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make your Nut-free Christmas pudding, gather the following equipment:

• A large mixing bowl
• A 1.5-litre pudding bowl (preferably heatproof)
• A saucepan with a lid
• A fine grater for the orange zest
• A piece of strong kitchen string
• Tin foil for covering the pudding bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Unsalted butter, for greasing
• 500g mixed dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, apricots, sultanas, raisins)
• 100g dates
• 3 tablespoons crystallised ginger
• 1 orange (zest)
• 125g suet
• 125g plain flour
• 125g caster sugar
• 150g fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Vin Santo or brandy
• 1 large free-range egg
• 150ml milk
• Golden syrup, to serve

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the pudding bowl: Start by greasing a 1.5-litre pudding bowl with unsalted butter. This will prevent the pudding from sticking.
2. Prepare the fruits: Destone and chop the dates into small pieces. Next, roughly chop the crystallised ginger, then place both in a large mixing bowl.
3. Zest the orange: Use a fine grater to grate the orange zest and add it to the fruit mixture. The zest will provide a fresh and vibrant flavor.
4. Add remaining ingredients: Now, mix all the other ingredients into the bowl except for the golden syrup. This includes sutet, plain flour, caster sugar, breadcrumbs, Vin Santo (or brandy), the large free-range egg, and milk.
5. Combine the mixture: Stir everything together until well combined. Ensure that all the fruits and dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Transfer to bowl: Pour this mixture into the greased pudding bowl. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even surface.
7. Cover securely: Cut a piece of tin foil large enough to cover the bowl. Place it over the top of the bowl and create a double layer for extra protection. Tie a piece of kitchen string around the bowl to secure the foil in place.
8. Prepare for steaming: Place the pudding bowl into a large saucepan. Add enough water to the pan to come halfway up the sides of the pudding bowl.
9. Steam the pudding: Bring the water to a boil, and then place a tight-fitting lid on the saucepan. Reduce the heat to let it simmer for 3 hours. Make sure to check the water regularly and top it up if needed. This is crucial; if the water boils dry, it can burn and crack the bowl.
10. Finishing up: Once the steaming time is complete, remove the pudding bowl from the saucepan. Carefully take off the foil. Turn the pudding out onto a plate. Drizzle it generously with golden syrup and decorate it if you like. For a festive touch, you can even light it with brandy just before serving.

HOW TO SERVE Nut-free Christmas pudding

Serving your Nut-free Christmas pudding can be a delightful experience. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. People often enjoy it with a drizzling of golden syrup, custard, or fresh cream. Adding a sprig of holly can also give your dessert a festive look.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Nut-free Christmas pudding

Nut-free Christmas pudding is perfect for storage. If you have leftovers or if you make it in advance, allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for a few days. If you want to freeze it, use foil to wrap it securely. Freeze it, and it will keep well for a few months. Just remember to defrost it in the fridge before heating.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

When serving your pudding, consider pairing it with:

• Custard: A warm pour of custard over the pudding adds a comforting touch.
• Double cream: This rich addition adds extra indulgence.
• Ice cream: For a cool contrast, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla or festive-flavored ice cream.
• Fruit compote: A tart fruit compote can cut through the richness of the pudding nicely.

VARIATIONS

You can customize your Nut-free Christmas pudding in many ways:

• Add different fruits: Feel free to mix in different dried fruits like figs or pear.
• Change the spirit: You can experiment with different spirits like rum or whiskey for a unique taste profile.
• Spice it up: Adding your favorite spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can give it an extra depth of flavor.
• Vegan version: You can make a vegan version by using plant-based butter, almond milk, and a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh fruits in the pudding?

A1: It is best to use dried fruits. They add sweetness and help create the right texture for the pudding.

Q2: Do I need to soak the fruits ahead of time?

A2: No, you don’t need to soak the fruits beforehand. They will absorb moisture while steaming.

Q3: How long can I store the pudding?

A3: You can store the pudding in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for several months.

Q4: Can I make this pudding vegan?

A4: Yes, you can substitute the egg and milk with vegan alternatives to create a vegan version of this pudding.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Nut-free Christmas pudding

To make the festive season easier, consider making your Nut-free Christmas pudding in advance. You can prepare it up to a month ahead. Simply follow the instructions, wrap the pudding well, and freeze it. When you are ready to serve it, defrost it in the fridge overnight. On the day you plan to enjoy it, steam or heat it as needed before serving. This will save you time and allow you to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas and joyfully create your Nut-free Christmas pudding! Happy cooking!

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