The spelling of "plum pudding" may seem straightforward, but it can be a bit confusing. The word "plum" is pronounced with the /ʌ/ vowel sound, as in "cut", while "pudding" is pronounced with the /ʊ/ vowel sound, as in "push". This means that the final syllable of "plum" and the first syllable of "pudding" have different vowel sounds. When written in IPA phonetic transcription, the word would look like this: /plʌm ˈpʊdɪŋ/. So next time you're making a classic English dessert, remember the unique spelling of "plum pudding"!
Plum pudding is a traditional British dessert that is typically consumed during the Christmas season. Also known as Christmas pudding or plum duff, it is a rich and flavorful steamed or boiled dessert that is often served with a sweet sauce or custard.
The name "plum pudding" is somewhat misleading, as it does not actually contain plums. In this context, the term "plum" refers to dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and sultanas, which are traditionally included in the pudding. These fruits are soaked in alcohol, often brandy or rum, which provides a distinctive aroma and flavor to the dessert.
The pudding itself is made by combining a mixture of suet (beef or vegetable fat), breadcrumbs, sugar, eggs, flour, and a variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Along with the dried fruits, these ingredients are thoroughly mixed together to create a thick and heavy batter-like consistency.
The process of making plum pudding involves steaming or boiling the mixture for several hours, which helps infuse the flavors and create a dense, moist, and dark-colored pudding. Many families have their own versions of the recipe, often passed down through generations, and personal additions like almonds, candied peel, or marmalade can be included.
Plum pudding is traditionally served with a sweet sauce, such as brandy butter or custard, which complements the rich flavors of the pudding. It is often set alight with a little extra alcohol before serving, creating a dramatic and festive effect.
Overall, plum pudding is a beloved and iconic British dessert that symbolizes warmth, tradition, and indulgence during the holiday season.
See under plum.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "plum pudding" comes from the combination of two elements - "plum" and "pudding".
The term "plum" in this context does not refer to the fruit but rather to dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and sometimes even prunes, which were traditionally used in the pudding. The word "plum" itself has an interesting history. In medieval times, the word "plum" referred to any dried fruit, and it was commonly used to describe raisins. Over time, "plum" became a general term for various dried fruits used in cooking.
The term "pudding" has a long history and originally referred to a type of sausage-like dessert made by combining ingredients such as grains, meats, fats, and dried fruits. The word itself comes from the Old French word "boudin" meaning "sausage".