Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a rich, dense, and deeply flavorful dessert steeped in tradition. While some adventurous souls bake their own from scratch, a store-bought plum pudding offers a convenient way to enjoy this classic treat. However, simply unwrapping it and serving it cold doesn’t do it justice. Preparing and serving a store-bought plum pudding properly elevates it from a simple dessert to a memorable holiday centerpiece. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to serve your store-bought plum pudding with flair and ensure a truly delightful experience.
Understanding Your Store-Bought Plum Pudding
Before diving into the serving process, it’s crucial to understand what you’re working with. Store-bought plum puddings come in various forms, typically packaged in tins or plastic containers. The type of packaging and the specific brand can influence the best approach to reheating and serving.
Decoding the Label
The first step is to carefully read the label. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions for reheating. Most plum puddings need to be steamed or microwaved. The label will also indicate the ingredients, which can be helpful in determining complementary flavors for your serving accompaniments. Understanding the ingredients will give you clues about which brandies or sauces will best complement the pudding’s inherent flavors.
Tin vs. Plastic: What’s the Difference?
The packaging material matters. Tinned puddings are generally steamed, as the tin can withstand the heat. Plastic containers are typically designed for microwaving, but some can also be steamed if the manufacturer specifies. Never put a tin directly into the microwave!
Reheating Your Plum Pudding: The Key to Flavor
Reheating a plum pudding is not merely about warming it up; it’s about revitalizing its flavors and creating a moist, tender texture. Proper reheating is essential for unlocking the full potential of your store-bought pudding.
Steaming: The Traditional Method
Steaming is often considered the gold standard for reheating plum pudding. This method gently warms the pudding, preserving its moisture and infusing it with a subtle depth of flavor.
To steam your pudding:
- Fill a large pot with enough water to come about halfway up the side of the pudding tin or container.
- Place a heatproof trivet or upturned saucer in the bottom of the pot to prevent the pudding from sitting directly on the heat.
- If your pudding is in a tin, cover the top tightly with foil to prevent water from seeping in. If it’s in a plastic container, ensure it’s microwave and steamer safe. Some containers come with lids designed for steaming – use that if available. If not, cover with foil loosely, being careful it does not touch the pudding.
- Bring the water to a simmer.
- Carefully lower the pudding into the pot, ensuring the water level remains halfway up the side.
- Cover the pot tightly and steam for the recommended time on the packaging. If no time is specified, a general guideline is 2-3 hours for a 1kg pudding. Smaller puddings will require less time.
- Check the water level periodically and add more boiling water as needed.
- Once heated, carefully remove the pudding from the pot and let it stand for a few minutes before opening.
Microwaving: The Quick and Easy Option
Microwaving is a faster, more convenient method for reheating plum pudding, but it can sometimes result in a slightly drier texture.
To microwave your pudding:
- Remove the pudding from its tin (if applicable) and place it in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.
- Microwave on medium power in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until heated through. Start with 3-5 minutes for a standard-sized pudding and adjust as needed.
- Allow the pudding to stand for a minute or two after microwaving to allow the heat to distribute evenly. Microwaving can be a fast option, but it’s crucial to monitor the pudding to prevent it from drying out.
Oven Reheating: A Less Common Approach
While less common, you can reheat a plum pudding in the oven. This method is best suited for puddings that have already been partially steamed or microwaved.
To reheat in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 150°C or 300°F).
- Remove the pudding from its tin (if applicable) and place it in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Add a little water to the bottom of the dish to help prevent the pudding from drying out.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through.
The Art of the Flambé: A Dramatic Presentation
Flambéing a plum pudding is a spectacular way to present it. The fiery display adds a touch of drama and enhances the pudding’s flavor with a hint of caramelized spirit. However, proceed with caution and follow these steps carefully:
- Ensure the pudding is warm. A cold pudding won’t flambé effectively.
- Warm a generous amount of high-proof brandy (such as cognac or Armagnac) in a small saucepan. Do not boil the brandy.
- Turn off the lights in the room to enhance the visual effect.
- Carefully pour the warmed brandy over the top of the pudding.
- Using a long match or lighter, ignite the brandy.
- Allow the flames to burn for a minute or two until they naturally extinguish.
- Serve immediately. Flambéing is a visually stunning way to serve plum pudding, but safety should always be your top priority.
Serving Suggestions: Complements and Accompaniments
The beauty of plum pudding lies not only in its rich flavor but also in its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, each enhancing the overall dining experience.
Classic Pairings
- Brandy Butter: A classic pairing, brandy butter adds a creamy, boozy richness that complements the pudding’s fruit and spice notes.
- Hard Sauce: Similar to brandy butter but often made with a lighter base, hard sauce provides a sweet and slightly boozy counterpoint.
- Custard: A smooth, creamy custard adds a comforting element that balances the pudding’s intensity.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a simple yet elegant accompaniment.
Beyond the Classics
- Crème Fraîche: Offers a tangy counterpoint to the pudding’s sweetness.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla, rum raisin, or even a spiced ice cream can create a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Fruit Compote: A tart fruit compote, such as cranberry or apple, can cut through the pudding’s richness.
- Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors.
Plating and Presentation: The Finishing Touches
The way you present your plum pudding can elevate it from a simple dessert to a sophisticated culinary creation.
- Slice and Arrange: Cut the pudding into neat slices and arrange them artfully on a plate.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
- Garnish with Berries: Fresh berries, such as raspberries or cranberries, add color and freshness.
- Sprigs of Rosemary or Mint: A sprig of fresh rosemary or mint can add a fragrant touch.
Storage and Leftovers: Making the Most of Your Pudding
Even after the festivities are over, your plum pudding can continue to be enjoyed. Proper storage is key to preserving its flavor and texture.
Storing Unserved Pudding
If you haven’t reheated the entire pudding, store the remaining portion in its original packaging or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several days.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of plum pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven. Proper storage ensures that your plum pudding remains delicious even after the initial serving.
Creative Uses for Leftover Pudding
Don’t let any of your delicious plum pudding go to waste! Here are a few creative ideas for using leftovers:
- Plum Pudding Ice Cream: Crumble leftover pudding into softened vanilla ice cream, then refreeze.
- Plum Pudding Bread Pudding: Use cubed plum pudding in place of bread in your favorite bread pudding recipe.
- Plum Pudding Truffles: Combine crumbled plum pudding with cream cheese and roll into truffles, then coat in chocolate.
- Plum Pudding Milkshake: Blend plum pudding with milk and ice cream for a festive milkshake.
By following these tips and suggestions, you can transform a simple store-bought plum pudding into a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests and create lasting memories. Enjoy the rich flavors and traditions of this classic holiday treat!
What is the best way to reheat store-bought plum pudding?
The ideal method for reheating store-bought plum pudding is steaming. This gentle process maintains the pudding’s moist texture and prevents it from drying out. Wrap the pudding tightly in aluminum foil, ensuring no steam can penetrate. Place it on a trivet inside a large pot with about an inch or two of simmering water. Cover the pot and steam for the recommended time on the packaging, or until the pudding is heated through, usually about 1-2 hours depending on size.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for a quicker reheat. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap, and microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to prevent overheating. Ensure the pudding is heated evenly without becoming rubbery or losing moisture. A dollop of brandy butter or custard can help reintroduce moisture if needed.
Can I add alcohol to store-bought plum pudding?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor of store-bought plum pudding by adding alcohol. The most common choice is brandy, but rum or even a fortified wine like port can also work well. The traditional method involves warming a small amount of brandy in a ladle, setting it alight, and pouring the flaming brandy over the pudding just before serving.
However, for a non-flaming option, you can gently warm the brandy (or other chosen spirit) and pour it over the pudding several hours before serving, allowing it to soak in. This infuses the pudding with the alcohol’s aroma and flavor. Remember to exercise caution when handling flames, and ensure the brandy is thoroughly soaked into the pudding before serving to avoid any risk.
How do I prepare brandy butter to serve with my plum pudding?
Brandy butter is a classic accompaniment that elevates the flavors of plum pudding. To make it, you’ll need softened unsalted butter, icing sugar, and brandy. The key is to ensure the butter is sufficiently soft, but not melted, for easy incorporation of the other ingredients.
Cream the softened butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the brandy, mixing well after each addition. The amount of brandy will depend on your preference, but be cautious not to add too much at once, as it can curdle the mixture. Chill the brandy butter for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
What other sauces or toppings pair well with plum pudding besides brandy butter?
While brandy butter is the traditional choice, several other sauces and toppings complement plum pudding beautifully. Custard is a creamy and comforting option, providing a smooth contrast to the pudding’s rich texture. Vanilla ice cream also works well, offering a cool and refreshing element.
For a brighter flavor profile, consider serving the pudding with a tart fruit sauce, such as cranberry or raspberry sauce. These sauces cut through the richness of the pudding and add a vibrant touch. Alternatively, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the sweetness without overpowering the pudding’s complex flavors.
How far in advance can I reheat store-bought plum pudding?
Ideally, you should reheat store-bought plum pudding on the day you plan to serve it. This ensures the best possible texture and flavor. However, if you need to reheat it in advance, you can do so up to one day ahead.
After reheating, allow the pudding to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can either serve it cold or gently reheat it again for a shorter period. Be mindful that reheating multiple times can affect the pudding’s texture, making it potentially drier.
Can I freeze store-bought plum pudding?
While technically possible, freezing store-bought plum pudding is not generally recommended. Freezing can alter the pudding’s texture, making it somewhat grainy or mushy upon thawing. The high fruit and fat content can also be affected by freezing and thawing.
If you must freeze it, wrap the pudding tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Be prepared for a change in texture. Consider reheating it gently with a small amount of added liquid (brandy or water) to help restore some moisture.
How do I store leftover plum pudding?
To properly store leftover plum pudding, allow it to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. A vacuum-sealed bag is also a good option for extending its shelf life.
Store the wrapped pudding in the refrigerator. Leftover plum pudding can typically be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Before serving, check for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off odor. Reheat individual slices as needed for the best quality.