Christmas Pudding | 
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Christmas Pudding
Discover the Christmas custom, story, myth and legend associated with the Christmas Pudding. This festive tradition and Xmas custom, with its familiar symbol and meaning, has evolved over time. But what is the history, meaning and origin of the Christmas Pudding? This article provides facts and information about the history of the Christmas Pudding as a familiar symbol, tradition and Xmas custom. The History of the Christmas Pudding
The History of the Christmas Pudding is dates back to the medieval era. The first Christmas Pudding that was made at this time did not bear any resemblance to the Christmas Pudding dessert that we enjoy today. The early Medieval Xmas Pudding was in fact a main meal and consisted of meat which was combined with dried fruit as a preservative. At this time all surplus livestock were slaughtered in the autumn and had to be preserved to last through the winter months. The meat and the dried fruit were wrapped in a pastry case and this dish was known as Christmas Pudding. The History of the Christmas Pudding and Plum Pudding
The History of the Xmas Pudding moved on to the Elizabethan era. During this time prunes (dried plums) were added to the Christmas Pudding and the name changed to Plum Pudding! The Modern Christmas Pudding
The traditional Christmas Pudding, as we know it, emerged during the 1900's. By this time the methiods of preserving meat had improved and the meat was left out of the Xmas Pudding recipes. A typical Christmas pudding contains the following typical ingredients: Christmas Pudding Ingredients | 100g / 4oz Plain Flour
½ level teaspoon of Mixed Spice
¼ level teaspoon of Grated Nutmeg
225g / 8oz fresh White Breadcrumbs
275g / 10 oz finely shredded suet
225g / 8oz soft Brown Sugar
350g / 12oz each Seedless Raisins and Sultanas
50g / 2oz mixed Chopped Peel
50g / 2oz Shelled Walnut halves or blanched Almonds
Finely grated rind of a Orange.
4 Large Eggs beaten
½ wineglass of Brandy or Dry Sherry
½ teaspoon Almond Essence
150ml / ¼ pint of Milk | Xmas Pudding Ingredients |
The Traditions surrounding the Christmas Pudding
The traditional Christmas Pudding is made several weeks before the festive season. Stirring the Christmas Pudding is enjoyed by all of the family. In England is was traditional for silver coins to be added to the mixture. At one time England had a small silver coin called a silver three penny bit and these were the coins that were used. When the Xmas Pudding was dished everyone would frantically search their portion to see if they had been lucky enough to get a silver three penny bit! Serving the Christmas Pudding
Serving the Christmas Pudding as a dessert is quite a ritual. The top of the Christmas Pudding is doused with brandy which is set alight. The flaming Xmas Pudding is paraded in front of the guests (the flame quickly goes out) and the Christmas Pudding is served. The traditional accompaniment to the Christmas Pudding is Brandy Butter although some prefer cream or even custard. Christmas Pudding
Xmas is celebrated worldwide, throughout the Christian population of approximately 2275 million people, but is also celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. A Christmas custom or tradition is symbolized by a familiar symbol or icon, such as the Xmas Pudding, have come to represent the spirit and meaning of this special time of the year. Christmas Pudding | 
