Reducing The Size Of Christmas Pudding

Asked by Dougie1. Answered on 18th November 2016

Full question

I have used the recipe for the Ultimate Christmas Pudding, but find that the pudding is too large for my needs. Could you advise on reducing the size and cooking times etc for those like me with a smaller appetite? Thank you.

Our answer

Nigella's Ultimate Christmas Pudding (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS) makes a fairly large 3 pint/1 1/2 quart/1.7 litre pudding. The pudding is steamed and as this is a fairly gentle form of cooking it is possible to reduce the size of the pudding without too many complications. For a smaller 1 pint/1/2 quart/0.6 litre pudding use 1/3 of the ingredients and an appropriate-sized bowl. This size of pudding should be enough for up to 4 people. Using 2/3 of the ingredients will be enough for a 2 pint/1 quart/1.2 litre bowl.

For cooking we would still suggest steaming the smaller puddings for an initial 3 hours. However the second steaming could be a little shorter as it is to heat the pudding through and we would suggest 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the second steaming, though if you go for longer it should not affect the pudding. If you want to check the pudding is hot to the centre then insert a metal skewer into the centre of the pudding. When you pull out the skewer carefully test the tip, it should feel hot. Stir Up Sunday is the traditional day to make Christmas Pudding. This year it is on Sunday, 20th November 2016. For those who are looking for an alternative to the traditional Christmas Pudding then try Chocolate Pudding For Christmas Pudding Haters With Hot Chocolate Sauce.