Also posted in Xmas topic. Pudding questions.

[CharlotteBog]

I have 1.2 l pudding basins.
How long will puddings take to steam?
I've just made the batter, I want to steam on Monday. Shall I prepare the individual puddings (3) and keep in fridge or just will it be ok in the big bowl with cling film?

I've done this before, just can't remember how long I steamed them for. 🎄

Six hours or more. Will be ok in big bowl.

I’ve done 3 hours x 2 and it’s been good

Thanks both. The vast bowl is in the fridge.

Mike what do you mean 3 hours x 2? They don't have to be steamed all in one session? That would be good.

Just need to borrow a couple of large pans. I have only one lidded pan big enough.

If you’re cooking a roast today or at home, pop one in the pan and steam for 3 hours

then do the other during the week or next Sunday if home cooking

then xmas day just pop on for 3 hrs as your cooking dinner

@MikeRafone you mean one pud will take 3hrs? PP said 6hrs.
I don't think I want to leave the uncooked batter in the fridge too long, do I?

Doesn’t help with planning, but if you take its temperature you can see if it’s done. We have a meat thermometer thing like this. I think it’s 70c they need to be to be cooked.

https://amzn.to/46x5VBK

Puddings are cooked long before the usual long time given i.e 6 hours, probably cooked after 3 but the long time is to develop the colour and flavour, the longer they cook the darker they get and deeper flavour. It's personal preference really, I prefer them good and dark.

I wouldn't keep the raw mix in the fridge for a week, couple of days fine. Do you have a slow cooker, they steam nicely in there and can be cooked overnight which is convenient too.

That's useful to know but a pain to keep opening and making sure watertight again if it's not cooked.

Thank you @marylou25, that all makes sense. So I can't overcook them then. I also prefer a darker looking pud.

Very difficult to overcook, far easier to undercook and sure most recipes say steam again for a few hours on Christmas day to reheat which I never do, I either put it in the oven covered when everything else is out or just microwave.

No, cook for 3 hours today and then another 3 hours on Christmas day - so total 6 hours. Thats how I always do it when I make my own.

You can do that but too much trouble trying to have a pot on for 3 hrs Xmas day, easier to cook for full time in the beginning and that's what most recipes mean when they give the long cooking time.

3 puds steamed for 5hrs yesterday and happy sitting in a cool place.
Thanks for the advice.