Why is this one of the great English (British) traditional steamed Christmas plum pudding recipes?

This recipe has been passed down to us from an English member of granniesunited.  We have tried it and believe it makes an excellent Christmas plum pudding or Christmas figgy pudding as it is sometimes known.  In fact sometimes it is referred to as a boiled Christmas pudding due to the length of time that the pudding is boiled for.  It may not be easy to make, but we all believe that it is worth the effort.  If you disagree with us please email admin@grannieunited.com.  Please note that this pudding, although relatively easy to prepare, needs to be prepared a long time in advance of eating.

Recipe for making the best English traditional steamed Christmas plum pudding
This is split into two relatively easy stages:-
• Stage 1:  Making the mixture
• Stage 2:  Steaming (Boiling) the fruit pudding

Ingredients for the best British traditional steamed Christmas plum pudding recipe
These ingredients make enough for two plum puddings, since its always easy to make two and give one to your son or daughter.
• ¼ lb  bread crumbs
• ¼ lb plain flour
• 4 eggs (well beaten)
• ¼ lb sugar
• 1 ½  carrots
• 2 oz chopped almonds  (EXCLUDE THESE IF NUT ALLERGY)
• ½ teaspoon of mixed spices
• ½ lb suet
• 8 ounces currants
• 8 ounces sultanas
• 8 ounces raisins
• 8 ounces cherries
• 2 figs (optional)
• Wine glass of brandy (we usually go for a large glass!)

Stage 1:  How to make the traditional Christmas fruit pudding mixture
Stage 1 must be carried 24 hours in advance of Stage 2.
• Mix dry ingredients
• Add the well beaten eggs
• Add the brandy
• Put in a well greased glass bowl appropriate for the cooking

Stage 2:  How to make the English Christmas figgy pudding mixture
WARNING:  BE VERY VERY CAREFUL THAT THE BOILING WATER IS CONSTANTLY REPLACED
• Put the mixture in the cooking bowl appropriate to the baking
• Boil for 4-6 hours
• After cooking move let it cool down
• Move to a cool place (eg refrigerator) for storage
Again note that, although relatively easy and straightforward to prepare, this pudding must be prepared a long time in advance of eating.

How to decorate & present the best English traditional steamed Christmas plum pudding
This is simple.  Turn the pudding upside down and put into a dish which can hold a substantial amount of hot liquid.  Place on a heatproof matt.   Place a sprig of washed holly into the top of the pudding. Pour a moderate amount of brandy over the pudding.  As long as you have taken all necessary precautions, we then light the brandy.  Serving this pudding like this helps create the perfect image of a traditional Victorian Christmas dinner scene, straight out of “Scrooge”.

Which sauce is best served with the Christmas figgy pudding?
You may serve it with double cream, custard, brandy butter, rum sauce or vanilla ice-cream.  At granniesunited we all prefer the simplicity of double cream.

Do you agree that this is the best English (British) traditional steamed Christmas plum pudding recipe?
We absolutely love this English traditional Christmas plum pudding recipe but appreciate that you may believe your recipe is better.  If you think you have a better recipe send it in and we will publish it, just email it to admin@granniesunited.com .