๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฉโ๐ณ Aunty Mary’s Cold Tea Plum Pudding ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฉโ๐ณ
What is it?
Aunty Mary’s Cold Tea Plum Pudding is a delightful and classic British dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually contain tea but instead uses cold tea as a unique ingredient. This pudding is rich, fruity, and wonderfully moist, making it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.
History:
The origin of this dessert dates back to traditional British cuisine. It likely evolved from the concept of using leftover tea and stale bread to create a flavorful, moist dessert. The inclusion of dried fruits and spices has made it a beloved part of British culinary heritage, often served during festive gatherings and special occasions.
Components:
To prepare Aunty Mary’s Cold Tea Plum Pudding, you’ll need the following components:
- 1 cup of cold tea (black or herbal)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of dried mixed fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of self-raising flour
- 1 cup of butter or margarine
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp of mixed spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda
Steps to Prepare:
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Soak the Fruits: Start by soaking the dried fruits in a cup of cold tea. Leave them to absorb the tea’s flavors for several hours or overnight, ensuring they become plump and moist.
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Prepare the Batter: In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the self-raising flour, breadcrumbs, mixed spice, and baking soda.
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Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the soaked fruits (along with any remaining tea), and the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Steam the Pudding: Transfer the mixture into a greased pudding basin. Cover the basin with a double layer of parchment paper and a layer of aluminum foil, securing it with string.
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Steam the Pudding: Place the pudding basin in a large pot with enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with a lid and steam for 2-3 hours. Check the water level periodically and top it up as needed.
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Serve: Once steamed, remove the pudding from the pot, remove the coverings, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, turn it out onto a plate.
Time Needed:
The total time needed for preparing Aunty Mary’s Cold Tea Plum Pudding varies. The soaking of the fruits typically takes several hours, or you can do it overnight. The actual preparation and steaming can take 2-3 hours. So, in total, you’ll need a minimum of several hours to make this pudding, but it’s worth the time and effort for its delicious and nostalgic flavor.
Enjoy this classic British dessert, perfect for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration! ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฉโ๐ณ
Certainly, here are some nutrition facts and health information for Aunty Mary’s Cold Tea Plum Pudding:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 350-400
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 40-60 mg
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 35-45 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Aunty Mary’s Cold Tea Plum Pudding is a relatively high-calorie dessert due to its sugar and fat content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you are watching your calorie intake.
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Fat and Saturated Fat: The pudding contains a moderate amount of fat, particularly from butter or margarine. While fat is an essential part of the diet, it’s advisable to limit saturated fat intake to support heart health.
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Sugar: The dessert is relatively high in sugar, primarily from the added sugar and the natural sugars in the dried fruits. Excessive sugar consumption should be monitored as it can contribute to weight gain and dental issues.
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Fiber: The pudding contains some dietary fiber from the dried fruits and breadcrumbs, which can aid in digestion. However, it’s not a significant source of fiber.
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Protein: While the pudding does provide some protein, it’s not a substantial source. Protein is essential for various bodily functions, but this dessert should not be relied upon as a protein source.
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Nutrient Density: Aunty Mary’s Cold Tea Plum Pudding is more of a treat than a health food. It’s rich in calories but not particularly nutrient-dense. It’s best enjoyed occasionally and as part of a balanced diet.
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Allergens: Be aware that the pudding contains common allergens such as eggs and gluten (from the self-raising flour and breadcrumbs). If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, consider suitable substitutions.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portions used in your recipe. When consuming this dessert, it’s essential to do so in moderation and consider your overall dietary needs and health goals.
