Anyone make Christmas pudding?

In some areas it is traditional to make them the last weekend in November (stir-up Sunday).

I think it depends on the recipe how much maturing they need, or benefit from. I've found for my usual recipe (which is a fairly standard traditional one from my Nan) that the longer and slower its steamed for, the more mature it tastes - 10 hours minimum! Last year I had a bit of mix left over, as I had different sized pudding basins and tried doing that bit in the microwave. It worked ok, but it didn't have then lovely rich flavour that develops when its steamed. On the plus side, it did mean we got to eat some there and then, rather than being taunted by the puddingy aroma.

Great didn't realise that thanks. Shall get my ingredients then. I usually use the Delia recipe which is steaming, I keep thinking that using a microwave isn't quite the same. But I'm a home nearly all day so I can put things on to steam in the morning and keep an eye on it.

Job for the weekend I think!

Yep, I'm making mine this weekend - should be next weekend but we're away. Standard Delia recipe for me!

If you have a slow cooker, they cook (and re-heat) very nicely in there. Much easier than having to keep an eye on the steamer in case it boils dry. I do puddings for about 14 hours - usually overnight - to cook.

On Christmas morning, it goes in the slow cooker first thing, and it's ready whenever we get round to it, but won't come to any harm no matter how late that is.

M.

That's a brilliant idea, thanks. Another thing I don't have to fit on the hob!

Thanks ? I've got low, med and high on my slow cooker...do you think low would do overnight?

Or just thinking my bottom oven in Stanley should be alright just to leave it in. Hmmmm