More Traditional British Puddings

Feb 1

Puddings are quintessentially British, especially the steamed versions although some are made of sponge. In fact one of the most universal and entirely British recipes for British pudding is the syrup sponge.  In fact, if you can make a good syrup sponge dessert in the U.K.  you are considered to be a good cook.

The Syrup sponge cake is very simple. It is simply a butter and egg sponge cake unmolded. It’s success relies on the golden syrup that is poured over it which is made from a mix of lemon and syrup.  The idea is to get the pudding fluffy enough so it is just right and the syrup at just the right mix of tart and sweet.

On the holidays Briton’s enjoy a lovely light pudding called St. Nick’s Pudding. This is made from fresh plums but tinned ones can be used. The fresh plum taste is augmented by the additions of prunes, oranges and cinnamons.  This is a dry unmolded pudding that is served with custard, cream or ice cream.

Another classic is Banana and Cinnamon pudding. This is a spiced molded pudding that is dry and served with custard as well.  The recipe is English but once again the ingredients are from an exotic conquered country far away.

Jam Roly Poly is also classic. This is a sponge cake pudding that when unmolded ends up with a topping of fresh jam and fruit.  A very popular kind of roly poly is Lord Randall’s pudding which consists of a rich sponge pudding topped with a mix of apricots and marmalade.

Very Chocolate Pudding is a favorite of Kate Middleton. This pudding is moist and made out of cocoa powder and flour. Chocolate chips are melted in the bottom so that when it is unmolded the chocolate drools over the pudding. This very tasty cake is often served with custard or Devon Double cream or whipped cream.

The Apricot Queen of Puddings is based on the old Queen of Puddings recipe only sandwiched between the meringue and the delicious light pudding is a layer of fresh apricots baked in golden syrup.

Baked Toffee Apple Pudding is yet another a favorite of Kate Middleton’s. This is dry pudding that is steamed with apples caramelizing inside.  The recipe is kept from being too sweet by the liberal use of suet and apple juice added to the recipe.  It is traditionally served with a liberal dose of custard or the special custard ice cream that is made at Buckingham Palace sometimes.