lighting a chrismas pudding

iammumtoone

My son wants me to light the Christmas pudding this year :eek: its something I have not done before and admit to being a bit scared

I don't like brandy so refuse to buy it just for this, I assume any alcohol will do? Will jack daniels work?

How much alcohol do I need and do I just pour it over and light? I do have ones of those long handled lighters.

Does anyone do this every year? Any tips for success to share? Tips to stop me burning down the house would also be gratefully received :rotfl:

Thanks

thriftwizard

I do use brandy, from a small bottle of "cooking" brandy that usually lasts several years. And I heat it very gently in a small saucepan before pouring it over the pud & lighting it with a match. I expect Jack Daniels - and most other spirits - would work; just remember they are all very, very flammable & you don't need very much!

elsien

We heat it in a ladle first, light it in the ladle then pour over. Hint - tip it away from you to pour.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Top with icing sugar, cover with whisky (I do not use Brandy as a French missile hit Sheffield in 1982). Light a match and light the thing.

Callie22

elsien wrote: »

We heat it in a ladle first, light it in the ladle then pour over. Hint - tip it away from you to pour.

That's what we do with rum, although we gently (gently!) warm it first before lighting it. Apparently Fanny Craddock used vodka and could keep a pudding going for twenty minutes, although I'm not sure how edible it'd be after that ...

iammumtoone

elsien wrote: »

We heat it in a ladle first, light it in the ladle then pour over. Hint - tip it away from you to pour.

:eek::eek::eek:

I don't fancy pouring/handling alcohol already on fire. My plan was to light once the alcohol was safety poured over the pudding.

elsien

Tried and tested. Not as lethal as it sounds, and it looks very pretty with the lights turned down.

http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/stories/christmas-cooks-guide-flaming-the-pud/

Mrs_Boo_Boo

We use brandy.
Pour one spoonful over pudding.
Fill large spoon with brandy.
Light match and hold underneath to warm.
Light another match,ignite brandy and pour over.
I'm sure you can pour over first and then ignite if you are worried.
Turn lights off and watch (as a child this was always my job).
The alcohol will burn off and then you can eat.
Enjoy.

Brambleberry

If you are feeling nervous, soak a clean tea towel in water and wring it out well before you start - use this as a fire blanket if there is any burning spillage, it won't ruin your pud.
In my job I regularly set fire to alcohol (and other things) but the golden rule before showing anyone a demonstration is to practice yourself first, and if possible get someone who is already proficient to guide you while you practice.
A mini sacrificial shop-bought pud might be the answer here and perhaps get a handy friend to show both you and your son how to do it.
Happy flamb!ing!

Bb
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