We’re here again, mid-November and the shops and TV adverts have all turned suitably festive. It feels too soon, but this weekend marks Stir-up Sunday, the time when traditionally you’d make your Christmas pudding. While the humble Christmas pudding has roots in medieval times, it was Prince Albert who made it fashionable again in the 19th century.
And to this day many families and keen cooks make their own pud every November. Making your Christmas pudding or cake on Stir-up Sunday gives it time to mature - usually by being 'fed' brandy - in the run up to the big day and it gets its name from the general prayer read in churches, which includes a line: “Stir up, we beseech thee O Lord, the wills of they faithful people.” I’ve been making my Christmas cake on Stir-up Sunday for years, probably about 15, as part of getting into the spirit of the season.
I had a good run of making Christmas dinner too, but always had too much else to make, so we always bought in a Christmas pudding. Now, after a wonderful cooking class at Ballintaggart on Stir-up Sunday in 2022 - and since I am no longer cooking the main meal, thanks to my brother-in-law taking the reins - I have the time and recipe for a foolproof pudding . But, I am in the minority.
New survey data reveals 59 per cent of UK adults who celebrate Christmas do not think having a Christmas pudding at their festive table is important, and only 4 per cent of Christmas celebrators in the UK continue the tradition of Stir-up .
