Individual Christmas Puddings

Asked by sbowdell. Answered on 18th November 2013

Full question

I very much like the sound of Nigella's Ultimate Christmas Pudding. However I would like to make individual puddings, so can this pudding be divided into individual ones and if so what would be the cooking instructions? Many thanks. Sharon.

Our answer

NIgella's Ultimate Christmas Pudding (from Christmas and on the Nigella website) is quite a large pudding and is cooked in a 1.7 litre basin. We would emphasis that we have not made individual versions, however if you were to divide the mixture between the UK individual/mini pudding basins/moulds then theoretically you would need about 10 moulds as they have a capcity of about 175ml each. You should fill each mould almost to the top.

As the individual moulds don't have lids we suggest you cover the top of each with a piece of baking parchment (parchment paper) then wrap each mould tighty in a double layer of clingfilm (plastic wrap) followed by a double layer of foil, to protect them from any steam or water. You will need to steam the puddings for 2 1/2 to 3 hours initially then let them cool. Unwrap the puddings, and re-wrap using fresh clingfilm and foil, then put in a cool, dry place until Christmas day. On the day steam the puddings for about 1 hour, or until piping hot all of the way through.

Traditionally Christmas puddings are made on Stir-Up Sunday and this is on 24th November 2013.