Plum pudding is a mouthwatering treat that, surprisingly enough, contains no plums! Plum pudding (aka Christmas pudding) is a steamed or boiled pudding usually served during the holiday season.It was first recorded in 1858 in a novel by Anthony Trollope.
In the 17th century, plums referred to raisins or other fruits. Plumb is another spelling of plum. Prune is actually derived from the same word as plum - the Latin word was pruna, which changed in the Germanic languages into pluma. But the terms were quite confused in the 16th and 17th centuries and people talked about growing prunes in their garden.
Plum pudding is composed of nutmeg, raisins, nuts, apples, cinnamon, dates,corn starch and many other ingredients. In England, it is tradition to have every person in a household simultaneously hold onto the wooden spoon together to help stir the batter. As they stir they also have to make a wish.
During the Puritan reign in England, plum pudding was outlawed as "sinfully rich." Traditionally in England, small silver charms were baked in the plum pudding. A silver coin would bring wealth in the coming year; a tiny wishbone, good luck; a silver thimble, thrift; an anchor, safe harbor. By Victorian times, only the silver coin remained. In England these tiny charms can still be bought by families who make their own puddings. It is also traditional for every one who lives in the household to simultaneously hold onto the wooden spoon, help stir the batter for the pudding, and make a wish.
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