3 Unconventional Delia Smith Christmas Pudding Recipes You Have To Try!

In the midst of holiday cheer, Christmas pudding often takes center stage at the festive table. It’s a time-honored tradition that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. But for those seeking to add a little twist to their Yuletide celebration, Delia Smith, the British cooking legend, has a few surprises up her sleeve. Here, we explore three unconventional Delia Smith Christmas pudding recipes that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also add an innovative flair to your Christmas feast.

🍮 Figgy Pudding with Ginger Beer Twist

Delia Smith takes the classic figgy pudding and introduces a zesty twist that's sure to delight.

A Departure from Tradition

Delia’s recipe starts with the usual suspects for a figgy pudding—dried figs, breadcrumbs, suet, flour, and spices—but she adds a splash of ginger beer for a delightful change. This modern twist provides a subtle heat and effervescence, making the pudding lighter and tangier than its traditional counterpart.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=figgy pudding" alt="figgy pudding with ginger beer"></div>

Ingredients:

• 200g dried figs
• 100ml ginger beer
• 175g breadcrumbs
• 100g suet
• 200g soft dark brown sugar
• 100g self-raising flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 3 medium eggs, beaten
• 30ml (2 tbsp) black treacle
• Butter, for greasing

Method:

1. Soaking the Figs: Begin by chopping the figs and soaking them in ginger beer for about an hour.

2. Preparing the Mix: Combine all the dry ingredients with the soaked figs, saving the soaking liquid. Mix the wet ingredients with the beaten eggs, then combine everything into a smooth batter.

3. Steaming: Grease your pudding basin, pour in the mix, cover with greaseproof paper, and secure it with string. Steam for about 5 hours, keeping the heat at a simmer to avoid burning the pudding.

<p class="pro-note">🍒 Note: Always ensure the pudding is fully cooked by checking with a skewer; it should come out clean.</p>

🎄 Chocolate and Cherry Christmas Pudding

Delia offers a dessert that marries the tradition of Christmas pudding with the indulgent appeal of chocolate and cherries.

A Chocolate Delight

This pudding isn't your standard fare; it's a rich, dark concoction with layers of flavor from chocolate, cherries, and a dash of orange liqueur, giving it a unique twist that might just steal the show.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=chocolate cherry pudding" alt="chocolate and cherry Christmas pudding"></div>

Ingredients:

• 100g glacé cherries
• 150g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids)
• 150g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 175g soft dark brown sugar
• 50g cocoa powder
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 75g suet
• 50ml orange liqueur
• 250g mixed dried fruit
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Grated zest and juice of 1 orange
• Butter, for greasing

Method:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Chop the cherries and melt the chocolate gently over a double boiler. Combine the dry ingredients, mixing in the suet and breadcrumbs.

2. Mixing: Combine the wet ingredients, including the orange liqueur, melted chocolate, and orange zest, then mix in with the dry ingredients, until you have a thick batter.

3. Steaming: Like with the figgy pudding, grease a pudding basin, fill it with the batter, cover, and steam for 4-5 hours.

<p class="pro-note">🍫 Note: Ensure that the chocolate used has at least 70% cocoa for the depth of flavor.</p>

🌰 Nutty Christmas Pudding with Spiced Rum Sauce

In her pursuit of innovation, Delia crafts a Christmas pudding packed with nuts, offering a textural complexity alongside the warmth of spiced rum sauce.

A Nutty Innovation

This pudding is a textural delight, featuring an assortment of nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts, to create a rich and diverse mouthfeel.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=nutty christmas pudding" alt="nutty Christmas pudding"></div>

Ingredients:

• 200g mixed dried fruit
• 75ml spiced rum
• 150g ground almonds
• 75g pecans, chopped
• 75g walnuts, chopped
• 100g suet
• 200g self-raising flour
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp marmalade
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Butter, for greasing

Method:

1. Soaking the Fruit: Soak the dried fruit in spiced rum overnight.

2. Combining Ingredients: Mix all the dry ingredients together. Add the soaked fruit, marmalade, eggs, and stir until everything is well incorporated.

3. Steaming: Grease your pudding basin, fill it with the mix, cover, and steam for 5-6 hours.

Spiced Rum Sauce:

• 150g soft dark brown sugar
• 100g butter
• 100ml double cream
• 50ml spiced rum

Combine the sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan, heating gently until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the rum, and serve the sauce warm over the pudding.

<p class="pro-note">🌰 Note: The nuts can be varied according to personal taste, but ensure they are not too large, to avoid chunky texture.</p>

In crafting these recipes, Delia Smith has managed to keep the essence of Christmas pudding intact while infusing it with a modern and adventurous spirit. These puddings not only pay homage to tradition but also invite you to explore new culinary horizons. Whether you're looking to impress with a chocolate creation, savor a nutty indulgence, or delight in the subtle twist of ginger beer, there's a Delia Smith Christmas pudding recipe waiting to be the star of your holiday meal.

Enjoy these creative takes on a classic, and may your Christmas be filled with delightful surprises at the table!

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make these puddings ahead of time?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, Christmas puddings can be made weeks in advance. They improve with time as the flavors meld together. After steaming, allow the pudding to cool, then store it in a cool, dry place or refrigerate.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I don't like nuts in my Christmas pudding?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can simply omit the nuts from the Nutty Christmas Pudding or replace them with dried fruit, such as raisins or dried apricots, for a fruitier pudding.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use a different alcohol in these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! While the recipes specify ginger beer, orange liqueur, and spiced rum, you can experiment with other alcohols like brandy, sherry, or even a non-alcoholic alternative like apple or cranberry juice for a different twist.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>