The short answer is – whichever you have! You may use ceramic pudding basins, reusable plastic ones or even metal “steamers” will do the job. Even Pyrex bowls will work!
Can I use a Pyrex bowl to make a Christmas pudding?
If you have difficulties finding a pudding basin then a Pyrex bowl, or similar heatproof glass bowl, could be used. However the shape is different so you will have a wider, squatter pudding.
How do you steam pudding in a bowl?
Place the pudding into the steamer set over a saucepan of simmering water, or use a large saucepan with a saucer in the bottom. Steam for several hours, or as recipe indicates. Top up water when necessary. When the pudding is steamed, cut the string around the bowl.
How do you steam a Christmas pudding without a steamer?
Place the pudding in the top of a steamer or, if you don’t have a steamer, put the pudding in a large saucepan with about 3–5 cm of boiling water in the bottom, and cover with a tight fitting lid. Allow the water in the pan to simmer gently for the required cooking time.
Can you steam a Pyrex bowl?
A pyrex pie dish or other dishes safe for oven use work well. Once the dish of food is positioned on your rack over the water, cover the lid. Note that there must be enough space between the outer edges of the dish and the sides of the pot so the steam can come up and cook the food.
Can you bake a Christmas cake in a Pyrex bowl?
You can bake a perfectly good cake in a Pyrex bowl, and for some specialty cakes you can save a lot of time and effort by using the bowl to achieve a dome shape. Remember to oil the bowl before you bake, allow extra time, and be careful not to “shock” the glass with sudden temperature …
How do you steam a homemade Christmas pudding?
Place the pudding into the steamer set over a saucepan of simmering water, or use a large saucepan with a saucer in the bottom. Steam for several hours, or as the recipe indicates. Top up water roughly every 45 minutes or when necessary. When the pudding is steamed, cut the string around the bowl.
How do you make a Christmas pudding without a microwave?
Use a small upturned heat-proof saucer at the bottom of your pan to protect your pudding bowl from the intense heat (which may cause your basin to crack). As long as there is a gentle simmer and steam is being created in your pan then your water is hot enough to cook your pudding.
How long should you steam a Christmas pudding for?
Put the Christmas Pudding in the steamer cover and leave to steam for 2hrs 15 mins. You’ll need to check the water from time to time and maybe top it up a bit. When you are ready to serve the pudding, remove from the steamer and take off the wrapping.
Can you microwave a Christmas pudding instead of steaming?
Our answer. It is possible to reheat the Christmas pudding in a microwave. Ideally you would make the pudding in a plastic bowl and give it its full steaming (of 8 hours) first time around. You can then wrap the pudding and store it for reheating on Christmas day following the microwave instructions below.
How do you know when a steamed pudding is done?
To test if the pudding’s cooked, pierce the foil and paper with a skewer and wiggle it to make the hole bigger, or it will be wiped clean of any mixture when you pull it out.
Can I use Pyrex as a Dutch oven?
Ceramic baking dishes are great substitutes for a Dutch oven because they usually come with lids. On the other hand, glass dishes (like the ones made by Pyrex) are often less expensive and you can create a makeshift lid for these pans using aluminum foil.
Can you steam a pudding in a metal bowl?
You don’t need a pudding bowl with a special lid, just use a stainless steel bowl and cover it with foil.
Can I use a Pyrex dish instead of a baking tray?
So if you’re in a pinch and need to use glass or ceramic cookware for recipes that call for baking pans, reduce the baking temperature by about 25ºF. It’s also important to note some glassware such as Pyrex can be prone to thermal shock, meaning rapid change in temperature could cause your bakeware to shatter.
Does baking in Pyrex take longer?
You’re right: Pyrex, and other tempered glass, takes longer to heat up and longer to cool down than metal. Once hot, it’s able to maintain a steady temperature, which is a good thing for baked goods.
Can you use Pyrex instead of baking tin?
Yes, in fact, I would recommend it. Pyrex is specifically designed to be oven safe and handles fairly extreme temperatures, some saying up to 500F. I would always err on the side of caution, though, and stick to lower temperatures if possible (and always 25F less than the recipe says).
What can I use if I don’t have a pudding bowl?
You can use a mixing bowl, or even a cereal bowl as long as it is big enough and oven proof. A jug (as a pp suggested) may be better than a very flat dish.
What can I use instead of pudding cloth?
While most pudding recipes call for muslin, cheesecloth is also an acceptable fabric for wrapping puddings. This coarsely-woven cotton gauze resembles a net, and is often sold in grocery stores.
What is pudding bowl?
A pudding basin is a deep round bowl that is used in the kitchen, especially for mixing or for cooking puddings.
How do you make a pudding basin?
Cut a piece of string, the length of your open arms. Spoon the mixture into the pudding basin and level it out. Place the greaseproof paper buttered side down on top of the pudding basin. Cover with the sheet of foil and push it down and around the top rim of the pudding basin.
How far in advance can I make Christmas pudding?
Most Christmas Pudding recipes will require starting a few weeks before Christmas, usually between four and six weeks ahead of the actual day. Christmas puddings and fruit cakes benefit from being made way in advance because it allows the flavours to intensify and the colour deepen over time.
How wet should Christmas pudding mix be?
The mixture should be of a soft of dropping consistency, i.e. the mixture is not too sloppy but will drop off the spoon when tilted. Add the silver or gold coin if adding, and it is at this stage everyone in the family should give the pudding mix a stir for good luck.
How do you fix a soggy Christmas pudding?
Warm the sample of pudding gently in a microwave (or if you don’t have a microwave then wrapped in foil in a 150c oven for 5-10 minutes) and taste it. If it tastes too heavy or overcooked then unfortunately it may be best to start again.
How long do homemade Christmas puddings last?
Once the pudding is cooked, remove from the pan and set aside to cool. The pudding can be stored for up to two years in a cool, dry place. To serve, reheat the pudding by steaming again (in the same way) for two hours, or until hot all the way through. Alternatively, remove the foil and reheat in the microwave.
Can you overcook a steamed Christmas pudding?
You’ll be glad to know that you can’t really overcook a steamed pudding. We wouldn’t recommend steaming any longer than half-hour to an hour after the time suggested on the recipe. The pudding won’t dry out but other ingredients may spoil if overcooked.
How can you tell if a Christmas pudding is cooked?
It takes longer to break down when cooked under pressure so do test the pudding by inserting a skewer into the centre of the pudding (it should come out clean) or test with a digital thermometer; you’re looking for 75˚C as a minimum reading when it is fully cooked through.
How often should you feed a Christmas pudding?
The frequency of “feeding” is also a matter of personal preference. You don’t want to swamp the cake with liquid so we suggest an initial feeding once the cake has cooled in its tin and then feeding at convenient intervals after that. If you are feeding weekly then 1-2 tablespoons alcohol per feeding should be enough.
How long does it take to cook a Christmas pudding in the microwave?
Pour into prepared bowl. Cover loosely with cling wrap. Microwave on medium-low power (30% – 1200w) for 14-16 minutes or until the pudding is dry on the surface and firm to the touch. Allow to stand for about 15 minutes before turning out and serving.
How long do you cook a Xmas pudding for in a microwave?
Tip the pudding mix into the basin and cover with a circle of greaseproof paper. Place the pudding on a plate and microwave on Medium for 20-25 mins until cooked and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
How do you heat a ready made Christmas pudding?
Reheating Christmas Puddings
To reheat in the oven, remove wrappings from the pudding. Wrap in foil and reheat at 300ºF (150ºC) for an hour or until hot. To reheat on the stovetop, remove wrappings and place the pudding in the original mould. Cover tightly.
How do you Grease a pudding bowl?
How to Steam a Pudding
- Grease the inside of the pudding basin with butter.
- Place fillings inside the pudding basin.
- Cut a large square of aluminium foil and cut a slightly smaller square of greaseproof paper.
- Place the foil over the pudding basin and tie securely with string.
How do you seal a pudding basin?
Lay a large sheet of baking parchment on top of a sheet of foil. Brush the parchment with melted butter to stop it sticking. Fold a pleat in the centre of the foil and parchment to give the pudding room to expand as it cooks. Tie the foil onto the basin with string; wrap it twice to keep it tight.
What does a pudding basin look like?
Pudding basins (aka “pudding bowls”) are dishes designed particularly for steaming puddings in. They will have thick walls and tall, thick, pronounced rims around the tops of them. The thick walls help to provide steady heat; the rims are designed to allow a cover to be tied securely on top.
What temperature is Pyrex safe in oven?
Pyrex cookware is meant to withstand baking, but it cannot be trusted for use over 425 degrees. This means that for recipes requiring higher temps you should use metal pans.
How do you bake with Pyrex?
5 Tips For Using Pyrex Glassware Safely
- Always Preheat Your Oven First. Pyrex is oven safe as long as you preheat the oven before putting it in.
- Avoid Your Stovetop.
- Be Careful With Liquid.
- Set It On Cloth Or Wood.
- Let It Come To Room Temperature.
How do I know if my Pyrex is oven safe?
That means that if you have Pyrex glassware made before 1998 (like this gorgeous vintage design), you can safely use it like you always have—making a baked mac n’ cheese casserole and leaving the dish on your cold granite countertop or immediately transferring it to the fridge for tomorrow’s dinner.
How can I steam without a basket?
The technique is simple: fill a medium pot with 1/2 inch of water, place three golf ball–sized balls of aluminum foil on the bottom, rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Add vegetables to the plate, cover, and steam until crisp-tender.
Can I use a colander as a steamer?
If you don’t steam food frequently—‚or if you find yourself in need of a steaming basket, stat—don’t run out and buy one. All you need is a metal colander or a baking rack, a big pot, and some aluminum foil, and you’ve got everything you need to make a steamer at home.
What are the two methods of steaming?
Methods Of Steaming
- Steamer Baskets. The simplest way to steam food is to place a steamer basket in a saucepan over about 5-10cm of boiling water.
- Microwave steaming.
- En Papillote (Paper Bag/Packet)
- Steam Ovens.
Is glass safe for steaming?
Glass melts at about 1500 F / 800 C. There is no danger of melting the glass in any type of steamer, or realistically with any equipment you may have at home. The real issue is thermal shock: very rapidly cooling glass from a hot temperature to a cold temperature can cause it to crack or shatter.
Can I put a pudding bowl in the oven?
You can use a pressure cooker, microwave or bake in the oven in a water bath.
Can you steam stainless steel bowl?
What’s more, stainless steel bowls for steam stews, steamers and other foods, also perfect for steaming, baking or steaming. The stainless steel bowls for steamer are not easy to rust.
What causes Pyrex dishes to explode?
When a Pyrex bowl is heated or cooled rapidly, different parts of the bowl expand or contract by different amounts, causing stress. If the stress is too extreme, the bowl’s structure will fail, causing a spectacular shattering effect.
Is it better to bake in a glass or metal pan?
Retains heat better than metal: A glass pan is pricier and heavier than a metal one and retains heat better (which is why a metal pan cools quickly on the counter and a glass one does not) and is great for keeping a dessert warm at the table, like a hot fudge pudding cake.
Can you bake in a glass dish?
Because glass is an insulator, rather than a conductor, it’s slow to heat but, once hot, retains that heat for longer. This can result in uneven baking: By the time the interior is baked through, the exterior is often overcooked, dry, or dark.
What temperature do you bake in a glass pan?
The standard advice for baking in glass is to lower the oven temperature by 25°F from what the recipe calls for, and bake up to 10 minutes longer.
Do I need to grease a glass pan?
We don’t want anything to be undercooked so taking a quick peek won’t hurt anyone. So remember, make sure you properly grease the glass pan before pouring it into your batter. This will ensure easy removal of your delicious baked goods as well as provide an irresistible texture to anything you make.
What temperature can you bake glass?
You can indeed bake with glass Pyrex. Pyrex is rated for up to four-hundred and twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is not meant to be used on a stove-top or under a broiler, just like any glass dish. If you bake with glass Pyrex at a temperature above 425°F, you run the risk of the glass shattering.
Can I bake a cake in Pyrex bowl?
You can bake a perfectly good cake in a Pyrex bowl, and for some specialty cakes you can save a lot of time and effort by using the bowl to achieve a dome shape. Remember to oil the bowl before you bake, allow extra time, and be careful not to “shock” the glass with sudden temperature …
Can you use Pyrex as a pudding basin?
If you have difficulties finding a pudding basin then a Pyrex bowl, or similar heatproof glass bowl, could be used. However the shape is different so you will have a wider, squatter pudding.
How do you steam a Christmas pudding without a steamer?
Place the pudding in the top of a steamer or, if you don’t have a steamer, put the pudding in a large saucepan with about 3–5 cm of boiling water in the bottom, and cover with a tight fitting lid. Allow the water in the pan to simmer gently for the required cooking time.
Can Christmas pudding be reheated in microwave?
To reheat a whole, large pudding, cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap, then microwave on MEDIUM (50%) for about 15 minutes. To reheat a single serving, cover the slice with microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH (100%) for 30 to 60 seconds.
How do you store a Christmas pudding after steaming?
After you have steamed and cooled your pudding, replace the foil with a freshly buttered piece to keep it moist and store in a cool, dark place, or the fridge, until you are ready to reheat it on Christmas day.
How long does Christmas pudding last unopened?
Our answer
For Nigella’s Ultimate Christmas Pudding we would suggest a keeping time of up to 6 weeks, or up to 1 year if the pudding is frozen. The conditions in which you keep the pudding are also very imortant.
How long does Christmas pudding last in the fridge?
Left over Christmas pudding will usually keep for up to 2 weeks if kept refrigerated.
Can I cook Christmas pudding in a metal bowl?
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I prefer to make it in an English pudding basin, a tapering, pottery bowl with a deep rim under which the pudding cloth is tied. Or you can use a stainless steel bowl or mold. Anything will work as long as you keep in mind the way the pudding will look when unmolded and served.”
Can I use a metal bowl to steam a pudding?
The only thing you need to keep an eye on is that the water doesn’t boil dry. You don’t need a pudding bowl with a special lid, just use a stainless steel bowl and cover it with foil.