Lighter Christmas Pudding Recipes

LIGHTER CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Steps:

• Tip the sultanas, apricots, raisins and mixed peel in a bowl, and pour over the rum. Stir, cover and soak for at least 3 hrs or overnight.
• Butter a 1-litre pudding basin and line the base with a small circle of baking parchment. Beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl using an electric whisk, until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the flour, breadcrumbs and spices. Fold in the rehydrated fruits and peel, their soaking liquid and the apple. Spoon into the prepared basin, pressing it down firmly with the back of the spoon. Cover with a sheet of baking parchment, then a sheet of foil, and secure with kitchen string.
• Put an upturned plate in the base of a large pan and sit the pudding on top, then fill the pan with water until it comes halfway up the side of the basin. Alternatively, put the pudding in the top of a lidded steamer and cover. Steam for 2 hrs 30 mins, ensuring the water doesn't run dry. Remove the pudding from the pan and leave to cool completely.
• Uncover the cooled pudding and wrap in a clean sheet of foil. Will keep in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks, or the freezer for up to three months. See tip, below, for reheating it on the day.

LIGHT CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Steps:

• Grease a 1.2litre pudding basin with butter.
• Place the cherries in the bottom.
• Beat the sugar and butter with a hand held beater until pale and creamy.
• Beat in the eggs seperately, whisking well in between.
• Fold in the sifted flour, spice and salt carefully.
• Then add the lemon juice, lemon and orange zest, apple and fruit mince.
• Spoon into the basin.
• Tie a double piece of pleated baking paper on to the basin.
• Place in boiling water and cook for 2 1/2 hours.
• When the pudding is completely cold, turn it out, wrap it well and freeze until needed.
• Take out of freezer Christmas Eve.
• Can either re-steam it for an hour or just slice it and heat in the microwave.
• I used mixed red, green and yellow cherries.

LIGHTER CHOCOLATE CINNAMON PUDDING

Steps:

• Whisk cornstarch, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan. Add milks, whisking. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Whisk in chocolate; cook until chocolate has melted, about 1 minute.
• Divide evenly among six 4-ounce cups. To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap onto surface of pudding. Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour and up to overnight. Serve garnished with chocolate shavings and cinnamon sticks.

SISTER LEMON'S INEXPENSIVE CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Bring water, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup butter to a boil in saucepan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is syrup-like; reduce heat to low and keep warm.
• Beat 2 tablespoons butter and white sugar together with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth.
• Sift flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon together in a separate bowl; add gradually to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beating to integrate each addition before adding the next until you have a moist batter. Fold raisins and walnuts into the batter; pour into prepared baking dish. Drizzle the syrup over the batter.
• Bake in preheated oven until firm, 40 to 45 minutes.