Stir Up Sunday 2024 - What It? When Is It? Plus A Christmas Pudding Recipe

What is Stir-Up Sunday?

It's beginning to look a lot like... Ok we're not quite there yet. However, one of the most important dates in the calendar is almost upon us - Stir-Up Sunday. Stir-Up Sunday is a British tradition that takes place on the last Sunday before Advent. This day is the traditional time for families to gather in the kitchen and prepare their Christmas pudding—a rich, fruity dessert that’s the highlight of many festive tables.

The History of Stir Up Sunday

The name "Stir-Up Sunday" originates from a prayer in the Book of Common Prayer, which begins, “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people.” Over time, this prayer became linked with the preparation of Christmas puddings, and thus the tradition was born.

The tradition dates back to Victorian times when making a pudding weeks in advance allowed its flavours to develop. Stir-Up Sunday became a festive ritual for families, where every member would take a turn stirring the pudding batter, each making a wish as they did so. Some households even added a lucky silver coin or charm to the mixture for good fortune, a practice that still continues today for some.

The History of The Christmas Pudding

This history of the Christmas pudding itself, however, goes back much further. There's a record of "figgy pudding" going back to 1392. This version of the pudding would have looked a lot different to today's incarnation, being more of a broth, with raisins and other dried fruits, almonds, spices and wine and would have been the start, not the end of the meal.  

When is Stir-Up Sunday in 2024?

In 2024, Stir-Up Sunday falls on 24th November, giving you plenty of time to prepare your puddings so they can mature and develop their flavours in time for Christmas Day.

Christmas Pudding Recipe

This recipe elevates the classic Christmas pudding with a touch of elegance, using orange zest, fine brandy, and almonds to create a luxurious dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
- 150g sultanas
- 150g currants
- 100g raisins
- 50g dried apricots, finely chopped
- 50g mixed peel
- 100ml brandy (plus extra for soaking and flaming)
- 125g unsalted butter, softened
- 125g dark muscovado sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 100g plain flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp mixed spice
- 100g fresh breadcrumbs
- 50g blanched almonds, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 small apple, grated

Method:

1. Prep the Fruit
The night before, soak the sultanas, currants, raisins, apricots, and mixed peel in 100ml of brandy. Cover and leave to plump up overnight.

2. Mix the Ingredients
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour, spices, breadcrumbs, almonds, zest, juice, and grated apple. Stir in the soaked fruit and any remaining liquid.

3. Make a Wish
For an authentic feel, gather everyone around to take turns stirring the mixture while making a wish!

4. Steam the Pudding
Grease a 1.5-litre pudding basin and line the base with parchment paper. Pour in the mixture and smooth the top. Cover with a layer of parchment paper and a layer of foil, securing it tightly with string. Place the pudding in a large pan with water halfway up the sides. Steam gently for 6 hours, topping up the water as needed.

5. Store
Allow the pudding to cool completely before removing the paper and foil. Wrap tightly in fresh parchment paper and foil. Store in a cool, dark place to mature.

6. On Christmas Day
Steam the pudding for 2 hours to reheat. Turn it out onto a serving plate, pour over a little brandy, and light it for the perfect festive flourish.

So, mark your calendar for 24th November 2024, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of stirring up a little Christmas spirit!