English Pudding

Journalist Kate Colquhoun traces the origins of traditional Christmas foods, such as English pudding, the boiled dessert made with suet or lard, in Taste: The Story of Britain Through Its Cooking.

English Plum Pudding

Makes 8 servings

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup currants

• 1/4 cup cut-up candied fruit peel

• 1/4 cup cut-up candied cherries

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 3/4 cup soft bread crumbs

• 1 cup (4 ounces) ground kidney suet

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 Tablespoon brandy

• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)

• Hard Sauce (see below)

Hard Sauce

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

• 1 cup confectioners sugar

• 2 Tablespoons brandy

Beat butter, confectioners sugar and brandy until smooth.

Music break: Cherry Pink by James Last