Christmas puddings are usually made many months in advance and have a second cooking before serving. Choose your preferred method to do this, in the microwave, on the hob or in the oven from the guide below.
Microwave method
Preparation
- Remove the kitchen foil, check the pudding is in good condition and replace the parchment layer.
- Cover the pudding loosely with cling film, which will allow steam to escape.
Method
Put the pudding(s) into the microwave and close the door.
Temperature
Turn the microwave to full power (800w).
Time
Cook for 3 minutes then leave to stand for 2 minutes.
Serving
- Remove the pudding dish(s) from the microwave.
- Remove the cling film and parchment paper.
- Run a warm knife around the inside edge of the bowl.
- Put a warm plate on top of the pudding basin, carefully invert the pudding and let it slide onto the plate. Keep warm until serving.
Hob method
Preparation
- Remove the kitchen foil, check the pudding is in good condition and replace the parchment layer.
- Re-cover the pudding dish with kitchen foil, tucking it in well at the outer rim.
Method
Stand the pudding(s) in the bottom of a large pan and add boiling water until it comes half way up the pudding dishes.
Temperature
Set the hob control for gentle simmering.
Time
- Put the lid on the pan and simmer gently for 60 minutes. For mini puddings, simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Check the hot water halfway and refill if needed.
Serving
- Carefully remove the pudding dish(s) from the saucepan of hot water.
- Remove the kitchen foil and parchment paper.
- Run a warm knife around the inside edge of the bowl.
- Put a warm plate on top of the pudding basin, carefully invert the pudding and let it slide onto the plate. Keep warm until serving.
Oven method
Preparation
- Remove the kitchen foil, check the pudding is in good condition and replace the parchment layer.
- Re-cover the pudding dish with kitchen foil, tucking it in well at the outer rim.
Method
Stand the pudding(s) in the bottom of a deep oven dish and add boiling water until it comes half way up the pudding dishes.
Temperature
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C, Fan 160°C, 350°F, Gas 4.
Time
- Cover the oven dish with a lid or kitchen foil and bake in the hot oven for 60 minutes (or 30 minutes for mini puddings).
- Check the hot water halfway and refill if needed.
Serving
- Carefully remove the pudding dish(s) from the dish of hot water.
- Remove the kitchen foil and parchment paper.
- Run a warm knife around the inside edge of the bowl.
- Put a warm plate on top of the pudding basin, carefully invert the pudding and let it slide onto the plate. Keep warm until serving.
For more advice and recipes head to the Doves Farm website.
