Please talk me through Xmas puddings

[EmmaStone]

Given that it's stir up Sunday this weekend, I thought I may give making my own Xmas pudding a go this year. Christmas cake doesn't really get eaten, but Xmas pudding usually does at some point. I've always just bought puddings, and they've been great, easy to cook in the microwave, what's the deal with home-making them? What size pudding bowl should I be buying? Lids/no lids? Once steamed can they then be cooked in microwave when we want to eat, or do they need steaming again? Fool proof recipe?

I use Nigella’s ultimate pudding and it’s always gone down very well. Microwaving to reheat works. I use a lidded plastic 1l pudding basin and just wrap very well to steam. Nigella’s instructions are easy to follow.

My gran has always made the delia smith one, it's the best I've ever had, she passed away this year so we've had a go at making it for her. https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/international/european/british/a-traditional-christmas-pudding?utmsource=https%3A//www.google.com/&utmm_medium=d&utmcampaign=otn&utmm_content=fromrecipes/international/european/british/traditional-christmas-puddingtotonode/13374

I always do Delia's too. It's lovely.

Slow cooker Christmas pud for us. It’s so easy! I use a recipe from Hamlyn’s slow cooker book, and it works brilliantly. Top tips: press the mix down very firmly in the basin, so it’s really packed in (helps it hold its shape when you turn it out), buy ready shelled pistachios (sore thumbs the first year I made one!) and don’t forget to keep some Brandy back for flaming the pud when you serve!
Good luck :)

Thanks all, this is very helpful!

Now, if I buy a pudding basin with a lid, do I steam the pudding with the lid on, or do I need to do the foil/parchment top for steaming, with the lid only to be used after cooking to keep fresh?

I only have a 10 year old recycled bowl from a bought Christmas pudding. I put a round of baking paper on top of the pud before covering the top with foil and tying in place. Not a lid in sight!

Best mix for flaming is 50/50 brandy and vodka in a small frying pan. I use 2 or 3 tablespoons of each.
Put the plated pud on a tray in case of overspill.
Get someone to turn the lights off before you take it to the table in all its flaming glory.

And don’t forget a sprig of holly on top.🎄

Yes greaseproof paper and foil to steam then plastic lid.

Awesome, thanks for the pointers all 😀