Suet Pudding. Mrs. Fred. Shaeffer. Recipe

Suet Pudding: A Hearty and Timeless Delight

Introduction:
Suet pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Its origins can be traced back to traditional British cuisine, where suet-based desserts were quite popular. The rich and comforting flavors of this pudding make it a perfect treat for those cold winter evenings. Mrs. Fred Shaeffer's suet pudding recipe is a delightful combination of suet, molasses, raisins, and spices, creating a mouth-watering delight that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. In this article, we will explore the history of suet pudding, delve into the fun facts surrounding this recipe, and also provide information on similar dishes for those looking to experiment further.

History of Suet Pudding:
Suet pudding has a long history and was a prevalent dish in British cooking as early as the Middle Ages. It gained popularity due to the widespread availability of suet, a type of solid fat derived from beef or mutton. The fat would be rendered and used in various dishes, including puddings, as a source of richness and moisture. Suet puddings became a staple dessert in British households during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Fun Facts about Suet Pudding:
1. The name "suet pudding" originates from the primary ingredient used, which is suet, a type of hard fat.
2. Traditional suet puddings were often made in cloth bags and steamed, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
3. Suet pudding was considered a frugal dish, as it made use of inexpensive ingredients such as suet and dried fruits.
4. In some regions, suet pudding was also known as "spotted dick" or "spotted dog," primarily due to the addition of raisins or currants in the pudding, creating spots within the dessert.

Mrs. Fred Shaeffer's Suet Pudding Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 1 cup suet (chopped fine) or 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup currants
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the molasses, sweet milk, and suet (or butter).
2. Add the raisins and currants to the mixture and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, soda, salt, allspice, and cinnamon together.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
5. Grease a pudding basin or a heatproof dish and pour the pudding batter into it.
6. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or foil.
7. Place the dish in a steamer or a large pot with a steaming rack.
8. Fill the pot with water, ensuring it reaches halfway up the sides of the dish.
9. Steam the pudding over medium-high heat for approximately two hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water does not completely evaporate.
10. Once the pudding is cooked, carefully remove it from the steamer and let it cool slightly before serving.
11. Serve the suet pudding warm, either plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or custard sauce.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed Mrs. Fred Shaeffer's suet pudding recipe, you might want to explore other dishes that share similar qualities:
1. Christmas Pudding - Another traditional British dessert, the Christmas pudding, is a variant of suet pudding commonly prepared during the holiday season. It incorporates a variety of dried fruits, spices, and alcohol for a rich and indulgent treat.
2. Steamed Jam Roly-Poly - This classic British dessert consists of a suet pastry rolled up with generous amounts of jam and steamed to perfection. The result is a warm and gooey delight that is often served with custard or cream.
3. Apple Dumplings - These delightful treats are made by enclosing spiced apples in a suet pastry and baking or steaming until golden and tender. Served with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these dumplings make for an irresistible dessert.

In conclusion, suet pudding is a timeless dessert that offers a delightful combination of rich flavors and comforting warmth. Mrs. Fred Shaeffer's recipe captures the essence of this classic dish, and it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Remember to enjoy suet pudding in moderation as it is a decadent treat best savored on special occasions or cozy nights in.