Christmas Boil: How Long Can You Keep It Fresh?

Christmas pudding is a rich and fruity pudding that is traditionally served after a big roast dinner. It is usually made weeks in advance and can be stored for up to a year if frozen. If you plan to store your Christmas pudding in a cool, dry place, it can last for up to three months in the refrigerator or up to two years if left untouched. The alcohol content in the pudding acts as a preservative, so the more booze, the longer it will last.

Christmas pudding can be made up to a year in advance and frozen

Tie the pudding in a dry, unfloured cloth and boil, covered, for two hours in a large boiler about three-quarters filled with boiling water. Hang the hot pudding for 10 minutes, then remove the cloth and let it stand for at least 20 minutes before serving.

After removing the cloth, let the pudding cool to room temperature, then wrap it in plastic wrap and seal it tightly in a freezer bag or airtight container. A boiled Christmas pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months or frozen for up to a year.

A Christmas pudding can be safely eaten up to two years after it was made

The key to ensuring that a Christmas pudding lasts for up to two years is to store it in a cool, dry place. The pudding should be sealed tightly and kept in a dry, dark, and cool location, such as a pantry or garage. It is important to avoid storing the pudding in a steamy kitchen or warm and humid environment as this can cause mould to develop. If you live in a warm or humid climate, it may be better to store the pudding in the fridge or to freeze it.

When it comes to checking if a Christmas pudding is safe to eat, it is important to use your senses. If there are any unpleasant smells or signs of deterioration, such as mould, it is best to avoid eating the pudding. However, if the pudding looks and smells okay, you can slice a small piece off the bottom and taste it. If it tastes fine, cover and steam the pudding before consuming it.

To keep a Christmas pudding fresh for up to two years, it is important to feed the pudding regularly. This involves piercing a few holes in the surface and spooning over a tablespoon or two of booze every two to three weeks. The alcohol helps to preserve the pudding and prevent the growth of mould or bacteria. After feeding the pudding, it is important to wrap it well and store it back in a cool, dry place.

In addition to proper storage and regular feeding, the ingredients used in a Christmas pudding also contribute to its long shelf life. Traditional recipes that include dried fruit, high sugar content, and alcohol can last much longer than those made with fresh fruit, which tend to go off more quickly.

So, if you have a Christmas pudding that is a year or two old, don't be afraid to give it a taste. As long as it passes the smell and taste test and is properly heated, it should be safe to enjoy!

To store a Christmas pudding, seal it in greaseproof paper, tin foil, and a freezer bag or airtight container

If you have steamed the pudding in a plastic basin with a snap-on lid, check that no water has entered the pudding during steaming. If it has, gently mop the water up with kitchen roll and press a piece of baking parchment on the surface of the pudding. Then, re-seal the basin tightly. You may want to wrap the basin in cling film for the second steaming to prevent water from seeping in again.

If you have made the pudding in a china basin, let it cool, unwrap it, replace the piece of baking parchment on the surface, and re-wrap it tightly ready for Christmas Day.

If you are making your Christmas pudding ahead of time, it is a good idea to feed your pudding to keep it moist. This can be done by piercing a few holes over the surface and spooning over 1-2 tablespoons of booze every 2-3 weeks. The alcohol will also act as a preservative. Wrap the pudding well and store it in a cool, dry place.

A Christmas pudding can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or fried in butter

Christmas pudding is a popular dish that is often made in advance and enjoyed on Christmas Day. While it is traditionally steamed, it can also be reheated in a microwave, oven, or even fried in butter.

If you're short on time on Christmas Day, the microwave is a convenient option for reheating your Christmas pudding. Here's what you need to do:

• Remove the pudding from its bowl and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
• Set your microwave to medium power (40-50%) and heat the pudding for 10-15 minutes.
• Check if the pudding is hot enough by inserting a metal skewer or knife into the centre. Hold it there for 5 seconds, then remove it. The tip should be hot to the touch. Alternatively, use a cooking thermometer to ensure the centre of the pudding has reached 70°C.
• If the pudding is not hot enough, continue heating in short intervals until it is piping hot throughout.

Another option for reheating your Christmas pudding is to use an oven. Follow these steps:

• Remove any wrapping from the pudding.
• Wrap the pudding tightly in foil.
• Place the wrapped pudding in a preheated oven at 150°C for about one hour or until hot.

For a more indulgent option, you can fry your Christmas pudding in butter. While this method may not be as traditional as the others, it is sure to add a delicious buttery flavour to your pudding. Simply slice the pudding and fry it in a pan with some butter until heated through.

No matter which reheating method you choose, always ensure that your Christmas pudding is piping hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your delicious, fragrant pudding with custard, brandy cream, or any other accompaniment of your choice!

A Christmas pudding can be steamed in a slow cooker

To steam your Christmas pudding in a slow cooker, grease a pudding basin and fill it with your homemade mixture. Cover the basin with a pleated piece of baking paper and foil to seal the top. Pour boiling water into the bottom of your slow cooker, so it comes halfway up the side of the pudding basin. If you are using a plastic pudding basin, you can put a folded tea towel in the bottom of the slow cooker and place the basin on top.

Turn the slow cooker to high and cook your pudding for around 8-13 hours. Check your pudding from time to time, and top up the water in the slow cooker if necessary.

Once your pudding is cooked, cool and store it as directed in your recipe. To reheat the pudding, use the traditional steaming method or reheat it in the slow cooker for 3-5 hours. Check that the pudding is piping hot all the way through before serving.

Slow cookers are a great option for steaming Christmas puddings, especially if you have a busy household or limited space on your stovetop. It is a convenient and safe way to cook your pudding, and it will free up a spot on your hob on Christmas Day!

Frequently asked questions