When to Make Ultimate Christmas Pudding

Asked by Luckstar. Answered on 16th November 2015

Full question

How far out from Christmas Day should the Ultimate Christmas Pudding be made? Will it benefit from age like the old pudding hanging in calico in the pantry for months?

Can someone tell me how far before Christmas this can be made? Does it benefit from being left for a few weeks? Luckstar.

Our answer

Nigella's Ultimate Christmas Pudding (from Christmas and on the Nigella website) can be made up to 6 weeks ahead of Christmas. Traditionally puddings are made on Stir Up Sunday, which is the Sunday before the start of Advent and this year it is on 22nd November 2015. Once the pudding has had its first steaming, let it cool completely then unwrap the pudding. If you are using a lidded basin then make sure the lid is on tightly. Re-wrap the pudding with fresh foil and store in a cool, dry place until needed.

This particular pudding does not necessarily benefit from a long storing time. However if you need to store the pudding for a longer period then it is best to freeze the pudding after the first steaming. Once the pudding has cooled re-wrap it with a double layer of foil and freeze for up to 1 year. Thaw the pudding overnight at room temperature before the second steaming.