Christmas pudding virgin

[Glossymare]

This half term, I’m planning to make my first Christmas pudding with my two sons.
Any recipes/tips would be hugely appreciated!
Also, when and what is stir up Sunday?!

I made my first pudding last year. I used Eliza Actons recipe. The reason I chose this recipe,was that it it didn't have lots of ingredients (apparently, it's 12, for each of the apostles). I avoid recipes which require me to have to go and buy lots of extra stuff I will probably never use again.

I did cheat a little bit, as I bought some pre soaked fruit from Lidl. I also steamed my pudding in the slow cooker, which was a tip I got here on MN.

I also like the fact that the recipe is hundreds of years old.

The recipe is here

breadandoysters.com/eliza-actons-christmas-pudding/

I think that 'stir up Sunday" is the last Sunday in November when we can make the pudding (they don't need as much time to improve as the cake). So after leaving all the ingredients to soak on saturday overnight , you stir it all up with the help of any of the family who happen to be around!

This custom was probably invented when we had large puddings, to feed a large household of relatives, servants, children etc.

I make a vegan, gluten free version of Delia smith's and it's nicer than the 'normal' one!! No one has ever noticed!!!! Though I do let the fruit soak for along time before I make it either in alcohol or fruit juice.

Oh I forgot that each person makes a wish when they stir the pudding!!!!

The best Christmas pudding, in my opinion, is Mrs Beeton. Most recipes don't have carrot in but it does make a difference. It's also the recipe from my childhood & I have memories of making it with my grandmother, and the odd sip of Mackesons milk stout.

Most years though I make Delia's recipe as it's easier to find

My recipe - an old GH one - is very similar to the Eliza Acton, except for no peel, it uses orange and lemon zest instead (I don't suppose oranges and lemons were as cheap or easy to come by in 1845) and brown ale instead of spirits. Smells selfish when mixing up!

Sometimes I haven't got around to making it until about 10 days before Christmas, and it's just as nice - and it's never as dense, dark and heavy as so many others.

On the day I just microwave it in the basin for 2 bursts of 5 mins.

Works fine.

BTW if you're new to flaming it, a mix of brandy and vodka works well, a couple of tbsp of each. Have the hot pud ready on a plate, on a tray - heat the booze in a small frying pan till bubbling, then tilt to let it catch. Pour quickly over pud.
If you can, it's nice to get someone to turn off the lights in dining room or wherever you're eating, to get the best effect as the pud makes its entrance.

Delish, not selfish!!! Effing autocorrect...

Stir up Sunday is the Sunday before advent. This may or may not be the last Sunday in November as in the church calendar advent starts 4 Sundays before Christmas so if Christmas day is a Sunday advent starts in November.
It is called stir up Sunday as the collect (special prayer for the day) starts stir up o Lord.... And it was a reminder to working class people pre readily available calendars/watches etc that it was coming up to Christmas and get on with the puddings etc.

I have posted a recipe this year, but nearly out of phone battery so can't find it now!