Today is Stir-up Sunday, a cherished day across the UK when many households begin making their Christmas puddings. Traditionally observed by Catholic and Anglican churches as the last Sunday before Advent, it also marks the official start of the Christmas pudding-making season.
Chef Darren Grady, who has cooked for the Royal Family, revealed details of their festive celebrations. After enjoying a full cooked breakfast, the Royals typically attend church together, returning home for a sumptuous roast turkey with all the trimmings. The feast culminates with a serving of classic Christmas pudding topped with brandy sauce. Later in the day, an indulgent afternoon tea follows, featuring a Yule log, Christmas cake, and an array of chocolate pastries.
Curious about the Royal Family’s Christmas pudding recipe? A video posted on the Royal Family’s Instagram page showcases the recipe used by royal chefs, reportedly favored by Queen Elizabeth II herself. The recipe makes two 1kg puddings and includes the following ingredients:
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- 250g raisins
- 250g currants
- 185g sultanas
- 150g mixed peel
- 250g suet or vegetarian suet
- 250g breadcrumbs
- 90g flour
- 12g mixed spice
- 2 whole eggs
- 180g demerara sugar
- 275ml beer
- 40ml dark rum
- 40ml brandy
For those who prefer alcohol-free versions, the beer and spirits can be replaced with orange juice or cold tea. On Christmas Day, the pudding should be reheated in a bain-marie for 3 to 4 hours. Once warmed, carefully release it from the basin using a rounded knife or palette knife, flip it onto a serving plate, then garnish or flambé before serving with traditional brandy sauce and cream.
Many may wonder about the tradition of hiding a coin inside the pudding. Historically, a silver sixpence was stirred into the mixture to bring wealth and good luck to the person who found it on Christmas Day. This custom originates from the Twelfth Night Cake tradition, where a dried pea or bean was hidden in a cake to crown a “king” or “queen” for the evening. However, Chef Darren Grady confirmed that this was not a practice in the Royal household, especially after a scare involving the Queen Mother in 1982.
“No, we never did that! Ever since the Queen Mother choked on a fish bone that time… we were too nervous to do that," Darren explained, highlighting the Royal Family’s cautious approach to traditions.
With this regal recipe in hand, you can create a rich and festive pudding worthy of a royal celebration this Stir-up Sunday.