Christmas pudding

[TrivialSoul]

I'm hoping someone can help. I have bought a Christmas pudding for desert on the day and have nostalgic memories of the pudding arriving at the table lit with blue flames. Can anyone tell me how to do this please? Is it as simple as pout brandy over and light it? Also do I serve it simply with double cream to pour over? Thanks.

Hi yes you pour brandy over it and light it with a match. I serve with cream and brandy sauce.

Thanks for the help. Do you light it at the table or will the flames last OK to light it in the kitchen and bring it to the table? (literally from one room to the next).

Best to guarantee that the brandy lights by warming the brandy in a saucepan slightly before pouring. Light it just outside the dining room. Do not have a holly garnish on top or that will catch a light as well!!!

Put the pudding on a hot serving dish (eg warmed in the oven).

Don't put holly leaves on the pudding.
Have someone ready to turn down the lights in the dining room.
Use a match to ignite the brandy/rum/whisky.
Use a good measure of spirit, and work quickly, have everything prepared beforehand.

In all the many years that I've ignited Christmas puddings, I've never warmed the brandy first, the hot pudding and the hot plate are sufficient.

Thanks everyone, I thi k I can do this. Doubt I would be organised enough to have Holly garnish but duly noted!