Britain is turning its back on the Christmas dish, but a modern twist could make it popular again
Britain is turning its back on a classic Christmas dish, but a new twist on the recipe could revive its popularity.
A new 2024 poll has found adults across the country are rejecting the traditional Christmas pudding.
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As reported by The independentThe survey – commissioned by the Royal Mint – showed that most families celebrating the festive holiday do not consider the steamed dessert to be a table dish.
In fact, 59 percent of people said it is not an important part of their day on December 25.
And when it comes to the tradition of Stir-up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent, when families prepare the pudding together, more than three-quarters of people (77 percent) have never heard of it.
Overall, only four percent of those surveyed said Stir-up Sunday is something they do.
So with just 40 days to go until December 25, a top Scottish baker has put a “modern twist” on the classic dish in a bid to get people excited about it again.
Coinneach Macleod, better known as the Hebridean Baker, is passionate about keeping traditions alive and passing them on to the next generation.
The 50-year-old, from the Outer Hebrides, told Fabulous: “For us islanders, Christmas and Hogmanay are not just dates on the calendar; they are the heart and soul of winter.
“Our festive season goes back to Santa’s arrival
the chimney, beginning with the winter solstice – a night we call Oidhche nan Seachd Suipearan, the Night of the Seven Supper.
“On this night, the longest of the year, we mark the turning point to brighter days with a celebration like no other.
“They say the night is so long you can eat seven times before the sun rises! That’s my kind of night out!
“When I read that the humble Christmas pudding might lose its place on our festive tables, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit heartbroken.
“As a Hebridean Baker I have made it my mission to keep our traditions alive – and let’s face it, what is Christmas without the comforting, spicy scent of a steaming pudding?”
He added: “It’s not just about the dessert itself; it’s about the memories, the ritual of making them and the connection to our past.
“Now I get it: Christmas pudding isn’t for everyone. It’s rich, dense and not exactly what you’d call a light finish after a turkey feast. But isn’t that part of its charm?
“It’s a dessert that makes you slow down, come together and share a moment with those you love.
“And I don’t have to ask twice if someone has a jug of custard ready!
“I know tastes change and not everyone has a soft spot for a dark, boozy pudding. But instead of forgoing it, why not embrace a modern twist?”
To give the humble Christmas pudding an upgrade for 2024, Coinneach suggests replacing the traditional currants and raisins with figs, dried apples or even cranberries.
And instead of cognac, he urges people to try a splash of his “personal favorite”: spiced rum.
Alternative Christmas desserts
Coinneach has offered three alternative desserts for you to try this year.
He said: “Of course, Christmas pudding isn’t the only traditional treat we can put on the table at this time of year. Here are a few of my favourites.”
Mulled wine and pistachio Pavlova – This is a showstopper dessert and a recipe I come back to every Christmas. The meringue will be crispy on the outside, soft and mallow on the inside, contrasting perfectly with the sourness of the pears, the wavy cream and the ground
pistachios. You can make the meringue and pears in advance, but make sure you prepare the cream at the same time as making and serving the pavlova.
Christmas Rocky Road – This is Christmas Rocky Road with all the trimmings! Adding dark chocolate, amaretti cookies, pistachios and cranberries gives them a more grown-up flavor – but I can’t leave out the mini marshmallows. These no-bake treats make the perfect festive gift
you can deal with it if you let them leave your house. . .
The Cailleach – Traditionally on Christmas Eve it was considered good luck to carve the face of the Cailleach (the old lady of winter) into a tree trunk and gather around it to watch it burn in the fire. This ritual had the meaning of saying goodbye to the cold, darkness and hardships of the past year, while welcoming new beginnings. And as we say in Gaelic: Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!
“It’s about keeping the spirit of the recipe alive while making it your own.” he said.
Coinneach became a viral sensation after posting videos of recipes he learned from his beloved Aunt Bellag, who at the age of 96 still bakes every day.
Four cookbooks, three best-selling gongs and 400,000 followers later, he’s as committed as ever to keeping her traditional recipes alive.
- Coinneach’s new book – Hebridean Baker, the Scottish Cookbook – is on sale now.
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