NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY

NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY

National Plum Pudding Day celebrates a traditional holiday dessert. On February 12th, learn about this tasty treat with an interesting history. We understand plum pudding is also known as Christmas pudding, which is why some think this is a confusing time to celebrate this food holiday. We don't believe in celebrating food one time during the year. We love food holidays and we love sharing them any time of the year!

#NationalPlumPuddingDay

The earliest documented record of plum pudding is found in the oldest known English cookbook, "The Forme of Cury" (roughly 1390). The cookbook was a compilation by the master cooks of King Richard II. Referred to as Fygey or Plum Pottage, plum pudding wasn't even a dessert. I was a savory broth made of beef or mutton, onions, and root vegetables. It was thickened with breadcrumbs and mixed with dried fruits, wine, and spices.

Did You Know? There are no actual purple plums in plum pudding. The word "plum" is actually a mixture of dried fruit that makes the dish look "plum full."

In 1675, a diary of a British naval chaplain was found that described food served at a Christmas dinner consisting of a rib of beef, mince pies, and plum puddings. By 1723, a plum pudding recipe appeared in John Nott's The Cook's and Confectioner's Dictionary. This recipe is almost identical to the recipe we use for plum pudding today.

Plum pudding is made by steaming or boiling and the pudding is usually served during the holiday season. Interestingly, many of the recipes don't even contain any plums. One explanation given is that during the 17th century, plums were referred to as raisins or other fruits.

Namby Pamby by Henry Carey (1725)
Little Jack Horner
Sat in the corner,
Eating a Christmas Pie;
He put in his thumb,
And pulled out a plum,
And said, "What a good boy am I!"

Plum pudding is usually made up of nutmeg, raisins, nuts, apples, cinnamon, and dates, along with other ingredients. In England, traditionally every person in the home holds onto the wooden spoon together to help stir the batter. While they are stirring, they also make a wish!  Plum pudding has also been known to be called plum duff.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY

• Have some plum pudding!

• Make homemade plum pudding.

• Invite someone to enjoy plum pudding with you.

• Use #NationalPlumPuddingDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL PLUM PUDDING DAY HISTORY

We stuck our thumb into every possible origin story and only pulled out a plum. Of course, we ate it! Researching food days make us hungry!