Federation Of Family History Societies

Some Festive Recipes from Mrs Beeton

Mrs Beeton's Christmas Plum Pudding

Ingredients: - 8ozs. of moist sugar, 8ozs. of finely chopped suet, 8ozs. of sultanas cleaned, 8ozs. of raisins halved and stoned, 8ozs. of currants washed and dried, 4ozs. of shredded mixed candied peel, 4ozs. of flour, 4ozs. of breadcrumbs, 2ozs. of almonds blanched and shredded, the grated rind of 1 lemon, 4 eggs, a saltspoonful of nutmeg grated, ½ a teaspoon of salt, ¼ of a pint of milk, 1 wineglass of brandy.

Method: - Mix all the dry ingredients together, stir in the well beaten eggs, milk and brandy, turn the mixture into 2 well buttered basins, steam from 5 to 6 hours.

Time: - To cook, from 5 to 6 hours. Average Cost, 2s. 6d.  Sufficient for 8 or 9 persons

 

Mince Pies

Mincemeat Ingredients: - 1lb of finely chopped apples, 1lb of currants, cleaned and picked, ¾ of a lb of finely chopped suet, ¾ of a lb of raisins, stoned and quartered, ¾ of a lb of castor sugar, ¼ of a lb of finely shredded mixed candied peel, the grated rind and juice of 2 lemons, ½ a teaspoonful of cinnamon, ground cloves, mace and nutmeg, mixed in equal proportions, ¼ of a pint of brandy.

Method: - Mix all these ingredients well together, press them into a jar, cover closely and store in a cool dry place until required.  It should be kept 1 month at least before being used.

Average Cost: - About 6d per lb

Use with either shortcrust pastry or puff pastry and bake in a moderately hot oven