Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Any major holiday has me homesick. Not even so much missing Jamaica, but missing my family. I haven’t spent a Christmas in Jamaica in a decade. I’ll have to work on fixing that in years to come. Aside from the family gatherings, and holiday parties, I always look forward to the food. YES! The food!! 🙂 The theme for today’s #SundaySupper is Holidays, Heritage and Traditions. Our wonderful host is Bea from Galactopdx. You’ll love the wonderful recipes being shared today!
Christmas time has always been a special time for families. Children get excited about gifts and everyone gets into the holiday spirit of giving. People also get into the kitchen and throw down! Yes, Christmas food is wonderfully made and is often done with much preparation. On Christmas Day, after church, we usually enjoy a big brunch – my Mom makes the BEST Ackee & Saltfish and Fried Dumplings ever. One of these days I’m going to try my hand at making fried Dumplings. Fried Breadfruit is another favourite thing to add to the list. Dinner is everything from Roast Beef, Ham, Roast Chicken, Smoked Chicken, Potato Salad, Moms special sweet and sour pork (this was only made at Christmas because Dad doesn’t eat pork. This was our time to experience it since we were almost pork-free {Bacon stays!}). Gungo Rice and Peas (Rice & Peas using Gungo Peas instead of Red Kidney Beans) is a must! Then there’s Rum Punch and Sorrel to wash it all down! To end the feast, look out for desserts like Sweet Potato Pudding, Bread Pudding, Cornmeal Pudding, and of course…Christmas Pudding or Christmas Cake.
Jamaican Christmas Pudding – fresh out of the oven
As I was mixing the batter, I had fond memories of my Dad’s baking. This was just like home. The wonderful aroma…me watching my father cut up the prunes, soaking all the fruits. And then baking day came. Our house smelled wonderful!
It smelled like Christmas 🙂
The original recipe called for additional items like dates, cherries, mixed peel and nuts. As a youngster, I remember not liking these things in christmas cake. I really do have a thing for texture. I can totally see why my kids are fussy with their food. It’s all my fault and I’m totally okay with that ~ sometimes. Since I was essentially making this to my liking, I just used the fruits I prefer. I bought a special jar just for soaking my fruits. Did you know that some people have their fruits soaking for months in advance in preparation for Christmas baking? We don’t play around when it comes to Christmas Cakes and Puddings.
Raisins, Currants and Prunes, soaking in rum and red label wine
Dad was the baker in the household so he always had Christmas cake to offer whenever friends stopped by or to give away. He doesn’t bake as much anymore, but was able to give me a few tips to help me along. Dad reminded me that blending the fruits before adding to the batter, gave the pudding a much nicer consistency. So that is exactly what I did. There will still be fruits left over to make another cake 🙂
Blended Fruits – 4 Cups
For the pan, I knew that I had to make the seal tight. I lined a baking tray with foil first. I then placed the bottom of the spring form pan on the baking sheet, then covered it with 2 layers of parchment paper. I then sealed the ring to the base so that the parchment was lining the pan and also allowed for it to be tight-fitting at the base so the batter couldn’t leak out. I hope I explained that properly. Here’s what I did!
Greased Spring Form Pan lined with Parchment Paper
Okay – So the recipe said to use a 9-inch pan. I wasn’t sure how much the pudding was going to rise and I didn’t want it to overflow. So I put 3/4 of the batter into the 9 inch spring form pan and the remainder in 9-inch square pan. Worked out perfectly. I baked the smaller cake for 2 hours. The next time I make this pudding, I will use a 10-inch pan instead. The pudding itself does rise, but as it cools it reduces. I wasn’t able to take a photo of it when it was almost at the top. I’ll know what to expect next time.
This was my first time steaming a pudding. This is essentially the difference between a pudding and a cake. The pudding has the boiling water directly underneath the batter in the oven, whereas this is omitted when baking the cake. Now I will definitely have to bake the cake and document the difference in texture and density.
Pudding Batter
The cake was still warm when I took the photos, but when the pudding was cooled, I put it back in the cake pan and added some rum. This will change the texture on the top just a little. Christmas cake/pudding tastes better after a few days, so let the rum work its magic.
Jamaican Christmas Pudding
This is certainly a slice of Jamaican perfection. It was so good ~ just like this.
A slice of Jamaican Christmas Pudding
But this is a Christmas Pudding.
We have to have both bells AND whistles. So I added an optional garnish for this awesome pudding. You have to sit down though, to eat it with the special treat.
It’s so good, it will make your knees tremble.
Jamaican Christmas Pudding with Hot Wine Sauce
Enid’s Christmas Pudding Recipe had an optional sauce to add to this already delicious treat. It’s very simple to make, and very easy to enjoy. I made one very slight change. (Lyn, you just couldn’t leave it alone, could you??) I don’t like too much nutmeg. So I used allspice instead.
***
Hot Wine Sauce
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/3 Cup Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Red Label Wine
1/2 Tsp Allspice
In a saucepan, add wine and sugar over a low heat. Stir to combine. Add allspice and butter. Stir until fully combined, and pour over the cake – or individual slices.
***
I swear, this pudding alone is like 40 minutes on the treadmill. But ’tis the season to be jolly… so keep the slices modest and don’t sit still for too long this holiday season! I hope you enjoyed my post today.
From my family to yours, Have a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season! I will be back after Christmas so take care of you!
Here are the wonderful recipes being shared by the #SundaySupper Family!
Breakfast
– Orange Refrigerator Rolls by The Wimpy Vegetarian
– Eggs Benedict by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
– Holiday Cream Cheese Tea Ring by That Skinny Chick can Bake
– Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake by Small Wallet Big Appetite
Appetizers & Snacks
– Chicken Liver Pate by Tora’s Real Food
– Bindaetteok {Mung Bean Pancakes}by Kimchi Mom
– Crab and Asparagus Soup by The Urban Mrs.
– Roasted Chestnuts by Curious Cuisiniere
Sides
– Potato Salad {Schwaebischer Kartoffelsalat} byGalactopdx
– Italian Orange Salad by Shockingly Delicious
– Sweet Potato Casserole by Magnolia Days
– Lightened up Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes by Real Nutrition
– Carrots au gratin by Juanitas Cocina
Main Dishes
– Char Siu Bao – Chinese Roast Pork Buns by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
– Christmas Eve Pizza & Martinis by The Webicurian
– Savory Crepe Cake by Vintage Kitchen Notes
– West Indian Curried Goat by The ROXX Box
– Pot Cheese and Potato Cheese Pierogies by Cupcakes and Kale chips
– Seafood Gumbo and Grilled Oysters: A Louisiana Christmas Tradition by the Catholic Foodie
– Mom’s Paella by What Smells So Good?
– Portuguese inspired Chorizo Crown Pork Roast by The Family Foodie
– Dorie’s Chicken in a Pot by Gotta Get Baked
– New Year’s Eve Buckwheat Noodles with Mochi by The Ninja Baker
– Crab Cakes for Christmas Eve by Daddy Knows Less
– Mile High Lasagna by Cravings of a Lunatic
– Red Chile Pork Tamales by Home Cooking Memories
Desserts
– Pizzelles {Italian Wafer Cookies} by Chocolate Moosey
– Fudge by Dinner Dishes and Desserts
– Crescent Cookies by Cookistry
– Christmas Stollen by Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
– Gluten Free Cookies for Santa by The Cooking Underwriter
– Pfeffernusse by The Foodie Army Wife
– Creme De Menthe Cake by I Run for Wine
– Panettone Bread Pudding by the Country Girl in the Village
– Spiced Gingerbread Gooey Butter Cake | A twist on a St. Louis Favorite by Daily Dish Recipes
– Chocolate Gingerbread Layer Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese by Crispy Bits and Burnt Ends
– Jamaican Christmas Pudding by Lovely Pantry
– White Chocolate Cranberry Santa Cookies by Mooshu Jenne
– Christmas Tree Cookies by Damn Delicious
– Old Fashioned Lady Fingers {Creamhorns} by The Meltaways
– Rose Milk Almond Falooda {Indian Dessert Drink} by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Drinks
– Wine Pairings by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
– Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate with Southern Comfort Whipped Cream by Mama Mommy Mom
– Mint Chocolate Cocoa by Mama’s Blissful Bites
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It is so hard to be far away from home, but it is nice to recreate foods that are familiar. Your Jamaican Christmas Pudding looks simply divine! Happy Holidays to you and your family
Bea recently posted..Potato Salad {Schwaebischer Kartoffelsalat} for #SundaySupper
Thanks Bea! Jamaican cuisine is very comforting to me and keeps me connected. I’m so glad this pudding came out so well! Not bad for my first attempt 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
What a beautiful recipe… I can almost taste it just reading about it. I love that you shared during this #SundaySupper. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Family Foodie recently posted..Portuguese Crown Pork Roast | Home for the Holidays #SundaySupper
Thank you, Isabel! #SundaySupper is where a recipe like this belongs 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
That even LOOKS like it smells fantastic! You have transported me to your kitchen with your wonderful story.
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious recently posted..Italian Orange Salad for Christmas Eve and #SundaySupper
Thanks, Dorothy! I’m glad you were able to feel at home here 🙂 The aroma is truly something wonderful.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
My knees are trembling just thinking about this! Gorgeous and Merry Christmas!
Jen @ Juanita’s Cocina recently posted..Carrots Au Gratin ~ #SundaySupper Home For The Holidays!
Ha! Thanks, Jen! *hugs*
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
This is similar to the plum pudding my great grandmother brought from Ireland and was made every year by my grandmother. And served with wine sauce. Such a great recipe, I love it! Have a great Christmas Lyn!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen recently posted..Savory Crêpe Cake #SundaySupper
Thanks, Paula! I do believe this pudding is of European origin (probably England)- it was just Jamaican-ized over many many years. I’m not surprised that you are familiar with an Irish version. Anything similar will likely be just as delightful. Thank you for your comment and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Wow! This looks amazing. Pinning…making!
Martin D. Redmond recently posted..Wine Pairings for Home for the Holidays #SundaySupper
Thanks, Martin!!!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
I will miss my family’s usual Christmas feast! This bread looks amazing and the photos are beautiful! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) recently posted..Bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) #SundaySupper
Aww thank you, Amy. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Aw, I hope you can be with your family for one of the upcoming holidays! I’m glad you could bring some family memories to your kitchen with this wonderful Jamaican pudding…it looks so dense and delicious!!!! Merry Christmas to you, Lyn!!! xo
Thanks, Liz! Hopefully something special will work out for the new year! We’ll see! Hope you had a fab Christmas!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
I just have 2 words: Sell Offfffffff!!!!!!!!!!!
Nioka recently posted..And Marketing Lives On
Hahahaa! Thanks Nioka!!! This was a wonderful success for me. Couldn’t have done it without my first choice cook book for Jamaican recipes – thanks to you!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
So rich and intense! I bet its always a hit
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) recently posted..Mom’s Paella for a Home for the Holidays #SundaySupper
Oh absolutely, Sarah. People *expect* pudding/cake at Christmas. The pressure! LOL!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Amazing! That hot wine sauce sounds to die for!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Christmas Tree Cookies #SundaySupper
Thanks, Chung-Ah! The wine sauce was a last minute addition – good call!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
What great flavors you put together! This rum based cake sounds awesome, Lyn!
Cindys Recipes and Writings recently posted..Eggs Benedict #SundaySupper
Thanks, Cindy!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
My English husband is very curious to try a Jamaican Christmas Pudding now. Our Christmas isn’t complete without a Christmas Pudding.
Laura recently posted..Cinnamon-Streusel Coffeecake #SundaySupper
Oh Lyn! Did you make this just for me??? Wow, wow, wow! The port wine soaked fruit and all the other ingredients. I’m drooling!! I seriously wish you were my next door neighbor. I’d be at your house all the time digging in to your fabulous food.
Have the Merriest Christmas and Happy New Year!
Renee recently posted..Sweet Potato Casserole for #SundaySupper
Renee, I wish I could have sent you some! Seriously! I know you would have enjoyed it. If we were neighbours, we’d be the bestest cooking buddies 😀
Thank you for your Christmas wishes, I hope you had a wonderful one. All the very best for the new year!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
You had me at hot wine sauce! YUM!! Merry Christmas!
Megan @ I Run For Wine recently posted..Merry Christmas to all
Ha! Thanks Megan! Hope you had a smashing Christmas!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Oh I know how you are feeling Lyn, I haven’t seen Christmas and snow together in many years. Somehow I have trouble to remember all Christmas traditions that are common at home. Here in Goa Christmas is not the same at all. Jamaica must be much more fun!
Your Christmas pudding reminds me of the Goan Christmas rum cake that is so popular here. I can imagine it tastes amazing!
Belated Merry Christmas to you my friend!
I Know what you mean about remembering traditions, Helene. I reached out to my parents and friends to remind me! LOL! Jamaican is fun no matter the time of the year, Family is what makes all the difference for me 🙂
There’s a Goan rum cake!!??? Helene, you must share! you just have to! 🙂
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas in Goa.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Thsi sounds so interesting, I would love to try it!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips recently posted..Christmas Eve Cookie Platter 2012
Hi Brianne! Its really good. I promise!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Awww, Lyn, I still live in the same city as my family and my Husband’s family so I don’t know what it feels like to be homesick during the holidays. I hope you were still surrounded by friends and family and could feast on delicious foods such as this! Your pudding looks incredible – so dense, moist and packed with flavour. I like the sound of that wine sauce too…some for the top of my pudding and some to sip out of a mug 😉 Happy holidays!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked recently posted..Dorie’s Chicken in a Pot for #SundaySupper Home for the Holidays
Thank you so much for your kind words, Nancy. My hubby and kids are all I have really. So I make the very best of their awesome company, and make the time special for the kids. *Confession* I may have had a sip or 3 of the wine sauce…you know, for testing purposes (wink)
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!!! xo
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
All I can say is wow! You sure know how to make a pudding extra special. Rum and wine? Yes please! I’m sorry to hear you haven’t been back to Jamaica. I hope you get to visit soon.
Sarah recently posted..Chocolate Gingerbread cake with eggnog frosting Home for the Holidays #SundaySupper
Hi Sarah! Perhaps this is the only time that rum and wine can get together in this manner. LOL! Its totally acceptable. I should clarify – I go home every year, just not Christmas. I’m counting down until my next visit! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
Rum and port and fruit? Oh this sounds like a winner!
Win-Win-Win! Everyone is happy here.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
I’m setting this recipe aside. I think I know someone who would want one of these all to herself as a present.
Donna recently posted..Lemon Sour Cream Mousse from Desserts in Jars
Donna, I hope this “someone” really gets a chance to make this. It lasts for a long time so you don’t have to feel guilty about eating it all by yourself. Opps, I mean all by herself. 😀
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
OH MY this looks incredible.
Natalie recently posted..M Thompson Chocolates.
Thanks, Natalie!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
I love your Jamaican pudding and wish I have a slice with me! I hear you about not having family around for holidays. It’s quite lonely and quiet. For Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve… we get invited by friends but I really wish that we have our own big family to celebrate. Hopefully my children will have lots of kids one day and we can be one big family. 🙂 At the same time I feel bad for not being home with my parents for New Years Day which is big celebration for us. Happy New Year to you and your family Lyn!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Kuri Kinton (Candied Chestnuts with Sweet Potatoes) 栗きんとん
Hi Nami! I’m glad you like my pudding. It was a big success for me, as it was my first time making it. Yay!
I know, major holidays are never really the same unless its with your own family. But still have fun, though. It is quiet but I’m thankful for skype and the good old telephone so that we can still spend a few precious moments 🙂
Happy New Year to you too my dear friend! Best wishes for you and your family! xo
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Christmas Pudding for #SundaySupper
I am sure I would love this pudding! It’s with rum! 🙂 I could get drunk probably, as I wouldn’t be able to stop without finising at least half of it 😀
Ha! I doub’t you’d get drunk but perhaps extremely happy 🙂 Thank you for your comment! Happy New Year!
lovelypantry recently posted..Top 12 Recipes of 2012 – What a great year!
I know it isn’t christmas any more so it’s entirely the wrong time to make such a dessert. But I’m really intrigued by this recipe and might do a mini-version at some point. Could you please share the quantity of the additional ingredients – I’d like to add everything and see how it turns out. Thanks!
Needful Things recently posted..Rose Levy Beranbaum’s Perfect All-American Chocolate Butter Cake
A mini version of this would be lovely! I just sent you an email!!!
lovelypantry recently posted..Top 12 Recipes of 2012 – What a great year!
Thank You!! Lost my Enid Donaldson cookbook – a wedding gift – (Sniff) 🙁 Trying to do for my kids what my mother did every Christmas for us, and so hard to keep it going! So glad to see you have the Christmas cake recipe here, AND the sauce I always wanted to try!!