A Sweet Tradition Renewed:
Every year, on the last Sunday before Advent, the bustling kitchens of homes would momentarily shift gears to assemble a Christmas pudding.
This age-old practice allowed time for the ingredients to meld together, like old friends catching up over a cup of cocoa.
The alcohol spent this time building a beautiful friendship with the fruits, resulting in a harmonious flavour dance that's worth the wait. This quaint ritual invites us to return year after year, and as we do, we find ourselves enchanted by the simplicity of it all.
Ingredients and Heartfelt Touches:
Each cook has their own version of the Christmas pudding, steeped in family traditions. While mine takes the form of a chocolate stout delight, the heart of the pudding typically includes brandy, sweet raisins, currents, and citrus peel. These gems are sprinkled through a steamed sponge mixture, tinted with the warm hues of dark sugar and treacle. Spices like allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg add a touch of cosiness that perfectly suits the season.
A Tradition Reimagined:
The magic of Stir-up Sunday lies not only in the actual mixing – a process that requires little effort and a double handful of ingredients – but also in the spirit of togetherness it fosters.
Once upon a time, families would gather in the kitchen for this ceremony.
Children would learn about the ingredients as they went, and each person would take turns stirring the pudding from left to right. This ancient practice stemmed from the belief that stirring from east to west, like the wise men who traveled to see Jesus, brought good luck. So, as you stir, make a wish and let the magic flow.
A Name with a Deeper Meaning:
Curiously, the name 'Stir-up Sunday' doesn't actually originate from the act of stirring pudding. It comes from the Book of Common Prayer of 1549, and the opening words of the collect for the last Sunday before Advent. It reads: "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people..." It was a gentle nudge to the cooks, wives, and servants attending church to remember to stir up the puddings for Christmas.
Festive Symbols:
The Christmas pudding, though enjoyed only during the holiday season, holds symbols that often extend beyond Christmas itself. The holly sprig on top, reminiscent of Jesus' Crown of Thorns, is a nod to his journey. In ages past, holly was believed to carry good luck and possess healing properties.
The act of pouring brandy over the pudding, igniting it in a dazzling display, is a representation of Jesus' love and power.
Creating Hope and Traditions:
The tradition of adding a silver coin to the pudding brings an element of luck. Originally, it was a silver farthing or penny, evolving into a threepenny bit and then a sixpence. In today's context, a five pence piece stands in for this age-old custom. This tradition is rooted in the history of the Twelfth Night Cake, which signaled the end of the Christmas celebrations. A dried pea or bean hidden within the cake marked the "king" or "queen" for the night.
Modern Flavours and Family Fun:
In today's world, Stir-up Sunday offers an opportunity to rekindle a tradition that bridges the past and present. While the recipe might have evolved over time, the sentiment remains unchanged – it's a chance to gather your loved ones, share stories, and create something delicious together. So, why not make this Stir-up Sunday your own?
Roll up your sleeves, get the family together, and craft a pudding that's a blend of history, love, and modern flavours. http://www.coeurdexocolat.com/christmas-pudding-chocolate