How do you know when 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.

Can you overcook a steamed pudding?

You’ll be glad to know that you can’t really overcook 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 spoil if overcooked.

Can you undercook a Christmas pudding?

Store pudding until Christmas Day. To reheat, place the pudding in the steaming pan again and heat for an hour. If it is slightly undercooked, this timing could be longer. Serve with cream, icecream or brandy sauce.

How Do You Know When pudding is done?

Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes or until the center of the mixture reaches 160 degrees F when measured with a food thermometer. At this temperature, a metal knife inserted near the center of the pudding comes out clean.

Do you steam a pudding with the lid on?

Place the pudding in the top of a steamer or, if you don’t have a steamer, put the pudding in a large saucepan with about 3–5 cm of boiling water in the bottom, and cover with a tight fitting lid. Allow the water in the pan to simmer gently for the required cooking time.

How do you keep a Christmas pudding from going Mouldy?

To avoid mould, we recommend you wrap the cooled pudding in plastic wrap and seal it in a freezer bag or airtight container.

How long can I keep a Christmas pudding?

The pudding can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place. To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming again (in the same way) for two hours, or until hot all the way through.

What happens if you overcook pudding?

Here’s how to avoid one of the worst kitchen mishaps: overcooking. Egg-based puddings and custards can curdle if cooked beyond 185 degrees. We take crème anglaise off the heat when the mixture registers 175 to 180, but when making the base for ice cream we push the temperature to 180 to 185 for maximum thickness.

How long does it take to chill pudding?

Place the bowl of pudding into the refrigerator, and let it chill for AT LEAST 2 hours, or until it gets really cold! It’s easy to make this up early in the day, or at night, then chill all day OR overnight, for best results!

Will custard thicken as it cools?

Won’t thicken: Egg yolks have a starch digesting enzyme called alpha-amylase. … In the early stage of cooking, the water is held rather “loosely” by the corn starch granules, and when the mixture cools, the water simply runs out.

How long does it take to steam a 1 pint Christmas pudding?

Make a string handle from one side of the basin to the other so it is easier to pick the basin out of the pan after cooking. Put the basins in a large steamer of boiling water and cover with a lid. Boil for 5-6 hours, topping the boiling water up from time to time, if necessary.

How do you steam a Christmas pudding to cover it?

Points to remember

1. Lay a large sheet of baking parchment on top of a sheet of foil.
2. Brush the parchment with melted butter to stop it sticking.
3. Fold a pleat in the centre of the foil and parchment to give the pudding room to expand as it cooks.
4. Tie the foil onto the basin with string; wrap it twice to keep it tight.

Can you steam a Christmas pudding in a plastic bowl?

Nigella suggests using a plastic pudding basin with a clip-on lid as these are easy to use and not too expensive. If you have difficulties finding a pudding basin then a Pyrex bowl, or similar heatproof glass bowl, could be used. … The steaming times are the same as for a pudding basin.