The best way to light your Christmas pudding

At Burtree House Farm, lighting the Christmas pudding to round off our dinner is one of the moments we all look forward to.

We’ll be having two of our puddings to satisfy everyone at the table as Deluxe (made with rum, barley wine and stout) is Lea’s favourite but Robert and Sarah prefer the Traditional (with brandy and brown ale, and the addition of flaked almonds and cherries) so this arrangement keeps everyone happy. Andrew will eat either but only a small spoonful!

Here’s how to light your Christmas Pudding

You’ll need your pudding, brandy (or spirit of choice), a long-handled metal ladle and something to light the pudding.

1. Turn the pudding out by putting a plate on top and flipping it over.

Tip: Use a good sized serving plate with a rim big enough to catch any spirit.

2. It’s important to get the brandy really hot – this will make the flame bigger – so pour two to three tablespoons into your ladle and heat it over a gas flame for around 20 seconds. If you don’t have a gas stove, heat the spirit in a small saucepan first then transfer to the ladle.

3. Gently tilt the ladle over the gas flame to light the brandy, or use a match, then immediately pour over the pudding. You’ve only to wait for the flames to go out, then tuck in.

Would you like to shop our range of handmade, Great Taste-award winning puddings? Take a look at our three varieties online.