CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Christmas Pudding image

I never let a Christmas pass without making this warm, satisfying dessert. The wonderful aroma as it bakes will fill your home...and call your family to the kitchen!-Cathy Herpich, San Antonio, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 3h20m

Yield 10 servings (1-1/4 cups syrup).

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped dates
SYRUP:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 teaspoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
GARNISH:
Silk or plastic holly leaves, optional
Fresh cranberries, optional

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and cinnamon; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Fold in the raisins, walnuts and dates. , Spoon into a well-greased 2-qt. pudding mold or ovenproof bowl; cover tightly. Place on a rack in a deep pan; add 3 in. of hot water to pan. Bring to a gentle boil; cover and steam for 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, adding water to pan as needed. , Let stand for 20 minutes before unmolding. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine brown sugar and flour. Stir in water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. , Unmold pudding onto a serving plate; garnish with holly leaves and cranberries if desired. Serve warm with syrup.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 525 calories, Fat 18g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 151mg sodium, Carbohydrate 89g carbohydrate (64g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.