National Pudding Day

Young child happily enjoying a bowl of pudding, wearing a chef hat, surrounded by colorful kitchen utensils.. — National pudding day illustration

Hey there, pudding lovers! Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth because today we're celebrating National Pudding Day!

When is Pudding Day?

It's national pudding day on the 18th November.

The Sweet and Creamy History of Pudding

From silky smooth chocolate to warm and comforting rice, pudding has been delighting taste buds for centuries. Can you believe it?

Let's dive into the internet and learn the incredible history of this beloved dessert. Pudding originated in ancient times when our ancestors realized that mixing grains and liquids could create a magical treat. The word 'pudding' itself derives from the French word 'boudin,' meaning 'small sausage.' Hmm, sausage pudding? Maybe not for every taste bud!

Over time, different cultures put their own spin on pudding. In the Middle Ages, it became a staple dish made from breadcrumbs, meat, and spices. Yes, we said meat! But hey, times were different back then, and they liked to get creative with their puddings.

Fast forward to the 17th century when pudding took on a new form. The English, dear friends, gave birth to the creamy and sweet version we crave today. They added ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar, transforming the dish into a delectable dessert.

Now, let's take a leap to the 21st century where pudding has truly become a global sensation. From creamy custards to pudding pies, there's a flavor and texture to suit every pudding connoisseur out there. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and indulge in the luxurious goodness of this timeless treat!

History behind the term 'Pudding'

13th century

Pottage to Pudding

In the 13th century, the term 'pudding' emerged from the Middle English word 'poding' or 'pudde'. Originally, it referred to a dish called 'pottage' which was a mixture of ingredients such as meat, grains, and vegetables cooked in a pot. Over time, the term 'pottage' evolved to 'pudding' to distinguish it from a more liquid form of pottage.

1305

The Birth of Pudding

In 1305, the term 'pudding' was first recorded in the English language. It derived from the Old French word 'boudin', which meant 'small sausage or entrails'. During this time, pudding referred to a type of savory dish made by filling animal intestines or stomachs with a mixture of minced meat, grains, and spices. Puddings were commonly boiled or steamed and often served as a main course at feasts.

10th century

The Medieval Pottage

In the 10th century, the term 'pudding' had a different meaning in English. It referred to a type of dish called 'pottage' during the Medieval period. Pottage was a thick soup or stew made by boiling vegetables, grains, or meat together. It was a staple dish for the lower classes and often made in large quantities to feed many people. Pottage served as a precursor to the modern concept of pudding.

16th Century

Transition to Sweet Puddings

During the 16th century, the definition of pudding started to evolve. The term came to encompass both savory and sweet dishes. Sweet puddings emerged as a popular variant, combining ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and fruits. These sweet puddings were often baked rather than boiled, giving them a softer texture. They became particularly popular among the nobility.

14th century

Pudding Takes Shape

During the 14th century, the term 'pudding' started to signify specific culinary preparations. Pudding became a more solid dish, often made from a mixture of suet (animal fat), breadcrumbs, fruits, and spices. These puddings were often boiled or steamed in a cloth bag or animal stomach, which helped the mixture retain its shape and flavor during the cooking process.

14th century

The Evolution of Pudding

During the 14th century, the term 'pudding' began to evolve into a separate culinary concept. It still retained its association with a mixture of ingredients, but it started to take on a more dessert-like quality. Puddings of this time were typically made with ingredients such as breadcrumbs, meats, fruits, suet, and spices. These mixtures were often boiled or steamed in a cloth or animal intestines to create a cake-like consistency. Sweetened versions of puddings gained popularity among the nobility.

16th century

Sweet Puddings Emerge

By the 16th century, sweet puddings began to gain popularity. Recipes for rich and indulgent sweet puddings made with eggs, sugar, and various flavorings like cloves or rosewater appeared. These puddings were a luxurious treat enjoyed by the upper class, and they were often served as grand desserts at feasts and banquets.

18th century

The Rise of Plum Pudding

In the 18th century, the term 'pudding' became closely associated with the popular Christmas dessert we now know as plum pudding or Christmas pudding. While this dessert didn't actually contain plums, the term 'plum' referred to dried fruits such as raisins and currants. Plum pudding was made with suet, flour, breadcrumbs, sugar, and a variety of dried fruits. It became a symbol of wealth and tradition during the holiday season in Britain and other European countries.

17th Century

Introduction of Pudding Varieties

In the 17th century, the diversity of pudding varieties increased significantly. The discovery of new ingredients and the influence of trade routes led to the introduction of exotic flavors and spices into pudding recipes. Puddings began to incorporate ingredients such as almonds, suet, spices, wines, and even breadcrumbs, creating a wide range of textures and tastes.

19th century

Pudding Variations

During the 19th century, the concept of 'pudding' expanded to include a wide variety of both savory and sweet dishes. Savory puddings, such as Yorkshire pudding, gained popularity as accompaniments to meat dishes. Sweet puddings continued to evolve with new flavors and ingredients. Recipes for steamed and baked puddings, including custards, fruit puddings, and sponge puddings, filled cookbooks of the time, offering a diverse range of choices for dessert enthusiasts.

18th century

Yorkshire Pudding

In the 18th century, the term 'pudding' took on a new meaning with the introduction of Yorkshire pudding. This savory dish, made from a batter of flour, eggs, and milk, was traditionally served with roast beef. Yorkshire pudding quickly became a staple of British cuisine and is still enjoyed today as a popular accompaniment to Sunday roasts.

19th Century

Rise of Steamed and Boiled Puddings

The 19th century witnessed the popularity of steamed and boiled puddings, which were made by encasing mixtures in cloth or pudding basins and cooking them in boiling water or steam. Traditional British puddings like Christmas pudding and spotted dick gained widespread fame during this time. These rich, dense, and fruit-filled delights became ingrained in British culinary culture.

20th century

Pudding Varieties and Innovations

In the 20th century, the term 'pudding' expanded to encompass a wide variety of desserts and savory dishes across different cultures. From the creamy rice pudding to the rich and velvety chocolate pudding, there are endless flavors and textures to explore. Puddings also evolved to include non-traditional ingredients like tapioca, cornstarch, and gelatin, giving rise to innovative and unique recipes.

20th century

Modern Pudding

Throughout the 20th century, pudding retained its status as a beloved dessert, but it also expanded beyond traditional recipes. New pudding variations emerged, including instant or ready-to-eat puddings made with gelatin or cornstarch. These convenient options allowed for quick and easy dessert preparation. Additionally, the term 'pudding' diversified globally, with different countries adopting their own unique versions. Today, 'pudding' represents a broad range of desserts, both traditional and contemporary, enjoyed worldwide.

20th Century

Pudding as a Dessert

By the 20th century, pudding had firmly established itself as a dessert option rather than a main course. The term came to be associated with creamy and smooth treats, such as rice pudding, bread pudding, and custard-based puddings. While some traditional boiled puddings persisted, especially in British cuisine, the concept of pudding expanded to include a wide array of chilled, baked, and steamed dessert options enjoyed worldwide.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world record for the largest rice pudding ever made was set in 2010? It weighed a whopping 4,076 pounds! That's a whole lot of rice and milk!