Can you over cook Christmas pudding?

Remember, it is hard to overcook a Christmas pudding, so if it isn’t done at the stated time in the recipe, don’t be afraid to put it back on for longer.

Can you over steam a Christmas pudding?

If you are making the pudding further in advance then you may prefer to freeze the pudding until closer to Christmas itself. … As steaming is a very gentle form of cooking it is difficult to overcook the puddings, so the same steaming time for both size basins is fine.

How do you fix a soggy Christmas pudding?

Warm the sample of pudding gently in a microwave (or if you don’t have a microwave then wrapped in foil in a 150c oven for 5-10 minutes) and taste it. If it tastes too heavy or overcooked then unfortunately it may be best to start again.

How long do I boil Christmas pudding?

Stand the pudding in the bottom of a large pan and add boiling water until it comes halfway up the pudding basin. Put the lid on the pan and simmer gently for 60 minutes. For mini puddings, simmer gently for 30 minutes. Remove the pudding from the water.

Can I reheat a Christmas pudding in a slow cooker?

Cool and store the pudding as directed in the recipe. To reheat the pudding we would prefer to use the 3 hour steaming method on Christmas Day. … Check the pudding is piping hot all the way through before serving. If you are using a plastic pudding basin then it should be fine just sitting in the slow cooker.

How long should I steam a Christmas pudding?

Simmer gently for 5-6 hours, topping up the water level as necessary throughout cooking (do not allow the pan to dry out). Once the pudding is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside to cool. The pudding can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place.

How do you know when a Christmas pudding is cooked?

It takes longer to break down when cooked under pressure so do test the pudding by inserting a skewer into the centre of the pudding (it should come out clean) or test with a digital thermometer; you’re looking for 75˚C as a minimum reading when it is fully cooked through.

Why does Christmas pudding take so long to cook?

Christmas puddings were quite dense, lots of add-ins, to say nothing of the suet content, hence the 10 hour steam bath. Many recipes (no suet) steam for 2-4 hours. … Delia calls for an 8 hour steaming when you make the pud and then another couple when you reheat it on Xmas Day.

Can you overcook a steamed pudding?

You’ll be glad to know that you can’t really overcooked a steamed pudding. We wouldn’t recommend steaming any longer than half hour to an hour after the time suggested on the recipe. The pudding won’t dry out but other ingredients may become spoilt if overcooked.

Do you feed a Christmas pudding?

Once the pudding is cooked, remove from the steamer and leave to cool overnight in the basin, keeping the parchment and foil lid in place. … Store the pudding in a cool, dark place, feeding it once a week by carefully removing the foil and parchment and drizzling the brandy over the pudding.

Is it better to steam or microwave Christmas pudding?

Ideally we would suggest that when the pudding is made it is steamed for 8 hours (the combined time of the first and second steamings) as the steaming is important for the flavour of the pudding. The pudding can then be microwaved to reheat it on Christmas Day.

What is traditionally hidden in a Christmas pudding?

Traditionally a silver coin (six pence) was hidden inside the Christmas Pudding. The silver coin brought good fortune to whomever was lucky enough to find it when the pudding was cut. The lights are turned off so people can see the flames. Christmas Pudding is served with custard or brandy sauce.

How do you set fire to a Christmas pudding?

Put 3-4 tablespoons of your chosen spirit into a small saucepan and wait until you are ready to flame the pudding. Heat the saucepan gently until the spirit is very hot. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately pour the hot spirit over the warm pudding. Quickly and carefully ignite the spirit with a lighter.

How long can you keep an unopened Christmas pudding?

Some Christmas puddings, made with dried fruit in the traditional way, are fine to be eaten even two years after they were made.

Can you reheat homemade Christmas pudding microwave?

It is possible to reheat the Christmas pudding in a microwave. Ideally you would make the pudding in a plastic bowl and give it its full steaming (of 8 hours) first time around. … Microwave on full power for 4 minutes, stand for 3 minutes, microwave on low/defrost for 7 minutes and stand for 5 minutes before unmoulding.

How long do you reheat a Christmas pudding?

Reheating your pudding

To reheat your pudding, remove all wrapping, and then use one of the following methods: Wrap in foil and reheat in the oven for one hour or until hot at 150°C. Wrap tightly in foil, place on a trivet in a saucepan over simmering water and steam gently for 45 minutes to one hour or until hot.