Christmas cook’s guide: flaming the pud

When it comes to setting fire to your Christmas day finale, the Christmas pud, you'll want to be certain your rare cognac is doing the business. A few simple tips from delicious. are all you'll need.

Christmas cook’s guide: flaming the pud

How do I flame the Christmas pudding?

1. Turn out the steamed pudding onto a serving plate with a good-sized rim around the edge to catch any spirit.

2. The important thing is to get the spirit really hot. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of brandy, rum or whisky into a long-handled metal ladle and heat it over a gas flame until hot. (If you don’t have a gas stove, heat it in a small saucepan first, then transfer it to the ladle.)

how to flame cristmas pudding

3. Light the spirit by tilting the ladle slightly over the gas flame so the fumes ignite, or use a match, then immediately pour it over the pudding. Carefully take it to the table and wait for the flames to go out before serving.

Illustrations reproduced online with kind permission from Juliet Percival.

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