"pennsylvania" Plum Pudding (for Thanksgiving Day) Recipe

Recipe: Pennsylvania Plum Pudding for Thanksgiving Day

History and Fun Facts:
Pennsylvania Plum Pudding is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed on Thanksgiving Day for many generations. This delicious pudding has its origins in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, which is a combination of German and American cooking traditions. It is said to have been brought to Pennsylvania by the early German settlers.

In the early days, plum pudding was a popular dish among English settlers, but Aunt Sarah, a Pennsylvania Dutch cook, modified the traditional recipe to create her own version. She made it more unique by adding local ingredients and flavors. This Pennsylvania Plum Pudding quickly became a favorite in Aunt Sarah's family and has been passed down through the generations.

It is interesting to note that Pennsylvania Plum Pudding is preferred over the traditional English Plum Pudding by many people. The addition of ingredients such as citron, raisins, and currants gives it a distinct taste that sets it apart.

Now, let's dive into the delicious recipe for Pennsylvania Plum Pudding!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 teaspoonful nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoonful salt
- 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup chopped beef suet
- 1/4 cup finely minced citron
- 1 cup seeded raisins
- 1/2 cup currants
- Flour to make a stiff batter
- Chopped almonds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add milk, molasses, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs and cornmeal. Gradually add this mixture to the egg and milk mixture, stirring continuously.

3. Add the chopped beef suet, finely minced citron, raisins, and currants to the batter. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Gradually add flour to the batter to make it stiff. The exact amount of flour needed may vary, so add it gradually and mix until the batter reaches the right consistency.

5. Grease a pudding mold or a deep heatproof bowl with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the mold, filling it about 2/3 full. Make sure to leave enough space for the pudding to expand as it steams.

6. Cover the mold tightly with a lid or a double layer of greased parchment paper. This will ensure that no steam escapes while the pudding is steaming.

7. Prepare a large pot for steaming. Fill the pot with enough water to come about halfway up the side of the mold. Place a heatproof trivet or an upside-down plate at the bottom of the pot to lift the mold above the water.

8. Place the covered mold on the trivet or plate inside the pot. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Steam the pudding for a total of three hours, ensuring that the water doesn't boil dry.

9. After three hours, carefully remove the pudding mold from the pot using oven mitts or kitchen tongs. Allow the pudding to cool slightly before unmolding it onto a serving plate.

10. While the pudding is still warm, sprinkle chopped almonds over the top for garnish. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the visual appeal of the dessert.

11. Serve the Pennsylvania Plum Pudding hot with a delicious sauce. You can use the sauce recipe provided below to complement the flavors of the pudding.

Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.

3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.

4. Stir in the vanilla extract and cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving with the Pennsylvania Plum Pudding.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
Pennsylvania Plum Pudding is a unique and special dessert, but there are a few other dishes that resemble it in terms of ingredients and cooking methods. Here are a few similar recipe dishes you might also enjoy:

1. English Plum Pudding: This is the traditional version that Aunt Sarah's family preferred Pennsylvania Plum Pudding to. It typically includes a mixture of dried fruits, spices, breadcrumbs, and suet. It is also steamed and served with a sauce.

2. Christmas Pudding: This is a popular dessert in many English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom. It is similar to plum pudding but often includes additional ingredients like almonds, orange zest, and brandy. It is typically served during the Christmas season.

3. Figgy Pudding: Another traditional British dessert, figgy pudding is made using dried figs instead of the mixed dried fruits commonly found in plum pudding. It is often flavored with spices such as cinnamon and ginger and is served with a rich sauce.

4. German Plum Cake: Known as "Zwetschgenkuchen" in German, this cake features plums as the star ingredient. The plums are arranged on a yeast dough and often sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. It is a delicious alternative to pudding-style desserts.

Remember, Pennsylvania Plum Pudding is a cherished recipe that has been passed down through generations, bringing joy and warmth to Thanksgiving Day gatherings. Enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones and create your own treasured memories!

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