CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH BRANDY SAUCE

Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce image

We developed this classic Christmas pudding that's served with a caramel brandy sauce. Packed with fruits, nuts and spices, it's rich and delicious.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 3h

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

Number Of Ingredients 31

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1-1/2 cups raisins
2/3 cup chopped dates
1 medium apple, shredded
1 large carrot, shredded
1/2 cup brandy
1/3 cup dried currants
1/3 cup maraschino cherries
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup red candied cherries
1/4 cup green candied cherries
2 tablespoons chopped candied citron
1/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
SAUCE:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon brandy

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first 12 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight., In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves and nutmeg; add to the creamed mixture alternately with orange and cherry juices, beating well after each addition. Stir in the fruit mixture., Pour into two well-greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover with foil. Place on a rack in each of two stockpots. Add 2 in. of boiling water to each stockpot; cover and boil gently for 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, adding water as needed. Let stand for 5 minutes before unmolding., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, egg yolk, half-and-half and salt. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Cool to room temperature., In a large bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream and brandy into brown sugar mixture. Serve with pudding.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 515 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 424mg sodium, Carbohydrate 82g carbohydrate (62g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein.