Annually on February 12th, we observe National Plum Pudding Day, dedicated to celebrating a dessert that holds a special place as a traditional holiday treat. Also known as Christmas pudding, this dish has been relished since the Middle Ages in England. An intriguing aspect of plum pudding is that numerous recipe variations may not actually include plums. During Victorian England, raisins and other dried fruits were commonly referred to as plums. This implies that individuals can savor this pudding, even if they aren't fond of actual plums.

National Plum Pudding Day is celebrated annually on February 12th in the United States. This day is dedicated to enjoying and appreciating a traditional British dessert known as plum pudding, also referred to as Christmas pudding. Despite its name, plum pudding typically does not contain plums; instead, it is a rich, dense dessert made from suet, breadcrumbs, dried fruits, spices, and often a touch of brandy or other spirits. Traditionally served during the holiday season, plum pudding is a symbol of festivity and indulgence, and National Plum Pudding Day provides an opportunity to enjoy this classic dessert outside of its usual holiday context.

History and Significance: The origins of plum pudding date back to medieval England, where it evolved from a dish called "plum pottage," a savory stew made with meat, vegetables, and dried fruits. Over time, the dish transformed into a sweet dessert, incorporating ingredients like suet, flour, sugar, and spices. By the 17th century, plum pudding had become a popular Christmas dessert, often made weeks in advance to allow the flavors to meld and mature.

The name "plum pudding" is somewhat misleading, as the term "plum" was used in pre-Victorian times to refer to raisins or other dried fruits, not the plums we know today. The dessert became closely associated with Christmas, and various traditions grew around its preparation and serving, such as stirring the pudding from east to west to honor the journey of the Magi and including a silver coin in the mixture for good luck.

National Plum Pudding Day is significant because it celebrates a dessert with deep cultural and historical roots, offering a chance to explore and enjoy a classic treat that has been part of festive traditions for centuries. The day also highlights the joy of indulging in rich, flavorful foods and encourages people to try their hand at making or savoring plum pudding.

Key Themes of National Plum Pudding Day:

• Culinary Tradition: The day celebrates the rich culinary tradition of plum pudding, a dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries and holds a special place in British and American holiday celebrations.
• Festivity and Indulgence: Plum pudding is synonymous with festivity and indulgence, making National Plum Pudding Day an opportunity to enjoy a luxurious and flavorful treat.
• Exploring Heritage: The day encourages people to explore and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of plum pudding, as well as the various customs and rituals associated with its preparation and serving.
• Sharing and Enjoyment: Plum pudding is often shared with family and friends during festive gatherings, and National Plum Pudding Day emphasizes the importance of sharing good food and creating joyful memories with loved ones.

Ways to Celebrate National Plum Pudding Day:

• Make a Traditional Plum Pudding: Celebrate National Plum Pudding Day by making your own traditional plum pudding from scratch. While it’s a time-consuming process, the results are well worth the effort. Start by gathering ingredients like suet, dried fruits, spices, breadcrumbs, and brandy, and follow a traditional recipe that guides you through the process of steaming the pudding.
• Enjoy a Store-Bought Plum Pudding: If you don’t have the time or inclination to make plum pudding from scratch, consider purchasing a store-bought version. Many specialty stores and online retailers offer high-quality plum puddings that you can enjoy at home.
• Serve with Classic Accompaniments: Plum pudding is often served with accompaniments like brandy butter, hard sauce, or custard. Prepare one of these traditional toppings to serve alongside your plum pudding for an authentic experience.
• Host a Plum Pudding Tasting: Invite friends or family over for a plum pudding tasting. Serve different variations of the dessert, perhaps with different accompaniments or flavorings, and enjoy sampling the rich flavors together.
• Learn About Plum Pudding Traditions: Take some time to learn about the various traditions and customs associated with plum pudding. For example, explore the history of "Stir-Up Sunday," the day when many families traditionally prepare their Christmas puddings.
• Experiment with Modern Variations: While traditional plum pudding is delicious, consider experimenting with modern variations of the dessert. You might try making a gluten-free or vegan version, or incorporating different dried fruits, nuts, or spices into the recipe.
• Pair with a Festive Beverage: Enjoy your plum pudding with a festive beverage such as mulled wine, brandy, or a rich dessert wine. The combination of flavors can enhance the overall experience.
• Share on Social Media: Share your plum pudding creations or experiences on social media using hashtags like #NationalPlumPuddingDay. Connect with others who are celebrating and get inspired by their recipes and ideas.

Traditional Plum Pudding Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup suet, finely chopped (or grated butter as a substitute)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup currants
• 1/2 cup chopped dried figs or dates
• 1/4 cup candied peel
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup dark ale or stout
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the suet (or grated butter), breadcrumbs, flour, brown sugar, dried fruits, candied peel, spices, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the beaten eggs, ale, brandy (or rum), and citrus zests. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture has a thick, sticky consistency.
3. Prepare the Pudding Basin: Grease a pudding basin or heatproof bowl with butter. Spoon the pudding mixture into the basin, pressing it down firmly.
4. Cover and Steam: Cover the pudding with a layer of parchment paper and a layer of aluminum foil, securing them with string. Place the pudding basin in a large pot with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the pudding over low heat for 4-5 hours, adding more water as needed.
5. Cool and Store: After steaming, remove the pudding from the pot and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, store the pudding in a cool, dry place. For the best flavor, the pudding can be made several weeks in advance and reheated before serving.
6. Serve: To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming it for an additional 1-2 hours. Serve warm with brandy butter, hard sauce, or custard.

Interesting Facts About Plum Pudding:

• Stir-Up Sunday: In Britain, "Stir-Up Sunday" is traditionally the last Sunday before Advent, when families come together to prepare their Christmas puddings. Everyone in the family takes a turn stirring the pudding mixture from east to west, symbolizing the journey of the Magi.
• Inclusion of Coins: It was once a common tradition to include a silver coin in the plum pudding mixture. The person who found the coin in their portion was believed to have good luck in the coming year.
• Aged for Flavor: Traditional plum pudding is often aged for several weeks, or even months, before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, making the pudding even more delicious.

Conclusion: National Plum Pudding Day is a celebration of a classic dessert with deep cultural and historical roots. Whether you’re making a traditional plum pudding from scratch, enjoying a store-bought version, or exploring modern variations, February 12th is the perfect day to indulge in this rich, flavorful treat. Embrace the festivity and tradition associated with plum pudding, and share the experience with friends and family. National Plum Pudding Day is an opportunity to appreciate the history, taste, and joy of a dessert that has been cherished for generations.