UK ‘turning its back on Christmas dish’ – but modern twist could make it a festive favourite again
THE UK is turning its back on a classic Christmas dish – but a fresh twist to the recipe could revive its popularity.
A new poll for 2024 has found that adults across the country are snubbing the traditional Christmas pudding.
As reported by The Independent, the survey – commissioned by the Royal Mint – revealed that most families who celebrate the festive holiday don’t consider the steamed dessert as a table staple.
Indeed, 59 per cent of people said it’s not an important part of their day on December 25.
And when it comes to the tradition of Stir-up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent when families prepare the pudding together, more than three quarters of people (77 per cent) have never heard of it.
In total, only four per cent of people surveyed said that Stir-up Sunday is something they do.
So with just 40 days to go until December 25, a top Scottish baker has offered up a “modern twist” to the classic dish in a bid to get people excited about it again.
Coinneach Macleod, better known as the Hebridean Baker, is passionate about keeping traditions alive and passing them down to the next generation.
The 50-year-old, from the Outer Hebrides, told Fabulous: “For us island folk, Christmas and Hogmanay aren’t just dates on the calendar; they’re the heart and soul of winter.
“Our festive season stretches back before Santa Claus comes down
the chimney, beginning with the Winter Solstice – a night we call Oidhche nan Seachd Suipearan, the Night of the Seven Suppers.
“On this night, the longest of the year, we mark the turning point towards brighter days with a feast like no other.
“They say the night is so long, you can eat seven dinners before the sun rises! Now that’s my kind of night in!
“When I read that the humble Christmas pudding might be losing its place on our festive tables, I couldn’t help but feel a wee bit heartbroken.
“As the Hebridean Baker, I’ve made it my mission to keep our traditions alive – and let’s be honest, what’s Christmas without the comforting, spicy aroma of a steaming pudding?”
He added: “It’s not just about the dessert itself; it’s about the memories, the ritual of making it, and the connection to our past.
“Now, I get it – Christmas pudding isn’t for everyone. It’s rich, dense, and not exactly what you’d call a light finish after a turkey feast. But isn’t that part of its charm?
“It’s a dessert that insists you slow down, gather round, and share a moment with those you love.
“And I don’t need to be asked twice if someone has a jug of custard at the ready!
“I know that tastes change and not everyone has a soft spot for a dark, boozy pudding. But instead of ditching it, why not embrace a modern twist?”
To give the humble Christmas pudding a 2024 upgrade, Coinneach suggests swapping out the traditional currants and raisins for figs, dried apple, or even cranberries.
And instead of brandy, he urges people to try a drizzle of his “personal favourite” – spiced rum.
Alternative Christmas desserts
Coinneach has offered up three alternative desserts you can try your hand at this year.
He said: “Of course, Christmas pudding isn’t the only traditional treat we can bring to our tables at this time of year. Here are a few of my favourites.”
Mulled Pear & Pistachio Pavlova – This is a showstopper dessert and a recipe I return to every Christmas. The meringue will be crispy on the outside, soft and mallowy on the inside, and it contrasts perfectly with the tartness of the pears, the billowy cream and the crushed
pistachios. You can make the meringue and pears in advance, but make sure you prepare the cream just when you are going to construct and serve the pavlova.
Christmas Rocky Road – This is Christmas Rocky Road with ALL the trimmings! Adding dark chocolate, amaretti biscuits, pistachios and cranberries gives them a more adult flavour – but I can’t leave out the mini marshmallows. These no-bake treats are the perfect festive gift, if
you can cope with letting them leave your house . . .
The Cailleach – Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, it was considered good luck to carve the face of the Cailleach (the old woman of winter) onto a log and gather around to witness it burn in the fire. This ritual held the significance of bidding farewell to the cold, dark and hardships of the past year, while welcoming new beginnings. And as we say in Gaelic, Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!
“It’s all about keeping the spirit of the recipe alive while making it your own”. he said.
Coinneach became a viral sensation after posting videos of recipes he learnt from his beloved aunt Bellag who, at 96-years-old, still bakes every day.
Four cookbooks, three best-selling gongs and 400,000 followers later, he is as committed as ever to keeping her traditional recipes alive.
- Coinneach’s new book – Hebridean Baker, the Scottish Cookbook – is available to buy now.