The History of Plum Pudding
In America, people are familiar with the Christmas tradition of plum pudding in many carols and stories but very few have actually seen or tasted it. However, in England plum pudding is an important part of the Christmas celebrations and has a rich history with many traditions that surround it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Plum pudding
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Plum pudding, otherwise known as Christmas pudding, is a dessert filled with an abundance of prunes, other dried fruits, nuts and sometimes raw beef or mutton fat. The pudding is a dark color and is usually saturated in different types of alcohol. The pudding is then steamed and moved to be kept in a cool, dry place for several weeks.
Reputation
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"The plum pudding is a national dish, and is despised by foreign nations because they never can make it fit to eat. In almost every family there is a recipe for it, which has been handed down from mother to daughter through two or three generations, and which never has been and never will be equaled, much less surpassed, by any other." ---Cassell's Dictonary of Cookery with Numerous Illustrations [Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co.: London] 1875 (p. 137)
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History
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In England, plum pudding is a sacred Christmas tradition. Originally, plum pudding was referred to as "hakin" because of its multitude of ingredients and is most often referred to as "Christmas Pudding" in Europe. Inspiration for the Christmas Pudding came from the Middle Age's mince pies, and porridge from the 14th century. In 1595, the recipe finally developed into plum pudding. However, in 1664 plum pudding became banned by the Puritans as a custom unfitting for those who followed the ways of God because of its use of alcohol.
In 1714, King George I brought back plum pudding as part of the traditional Christmas feast despite the Quakers' strong objections. By the 17th century, meat was eliminated from the recipe in favor of more sweets and was sprinkled in brandy and set aflame when served to guests. Later on, plum pudding officially became a tradition when it was introduced to the Victorians by Prince Albert.
Traditions and superstitions
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There are many traditions and superstitions that surround plum pudding. Some are very religious such as people believing that the pudding must be made by the 25th Sunday of Trinity with 13 ingredients to represent Christ and his disciples. When cooking, each member of the family mixes the pudding from east to west to honor the three kings. By setting it aflame with brandy, the pudding represents Christ's passion. The holly garnish is supposed to represents Christ's crown of thorns. However, holly also represents good luck and supposedly has healing powers.
Some families also stir coins and into their pudding and wish for good luck. Whoever gets a coin will receive good luck, wealth, and their wish will come true. Occasionally rings are added to the pudding to represent the finder getting married in the near future.
Serving
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There are several different ways plum pudding can be served. Sometimes it is decorate with a spray of holly and doused in brandy. Plum pudding can even be set on fire and served. Usually families present the pudding in the dark or in ceremonious fashion, where it is met with a round of applause. Plum pudding is topped with brandy butter, rum butter, hard sauce, ice cream, custard or with a castor sugar.
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