Why is it called Pond pudding?
In the seventeenth century, and perhaps even earlier, this pudding was made with only a lump of butter hidden in the middle; the butter sauce running out of the pudding when it was cut would create the ‘pond’ that gave the pudding its name.
What is suet in British baking?
Suet is a solid white animal fat with a high melting point that is used in old recipes for deep frying, certain pastries and, most relevant at this time of year in mincemeat and British Christmas pudding. You can also use lard (rendered and clarifed pork fat), which is close to the consistency of vegetable shortening.
What is a British suet pudding?
A suet pudding is a boiled, steamed or baked pudding made with wheat flour and suet (raw, hard fat of beef or mutton found around the kidneys), often with breadcrumb, dried fruits such as raisins, other preserved fruits, and spices. The Sussex pond pudding and the Paignton pudding are local variations of suet puddings.
Is lard and suet the same thing?
The main difference between suet and lard is that suet is the hard white fat obtained from cows and mutton while lard is the semi-solid obtained from pigs. Suet and lard are two types of animal fats that have many similarities and are often used interchangeably. Both have several interesting culinary uses.
Is beef tallow the same as suet?
Beef Suet is the hard fatty part of the cow that surrounds the kidneys. Beef Tallow is the rendered down fat from Suet. To make Beef Tallow, simply place Suet over low heat to render out the liquid fat. Both Suet and Tallow have been used for generations as an energy source, baking ingredient and cooking oil.
Is suet the same as lard?
Suet is hard like lard and tallow. Suet is harder at room temperature than tallow and lard. Suet is crumbly. Tallow and Lard are softer and malleable.
What is meat pudding made of?
Modern recipes consist of suet or fat, oatmeal or barley, breadcrumbs and in some cases pork and pork liver, filled into a natural or cellulose sausage casing.
What is an alternative to suet?
If you can’t find suet then we have found that grated vegetable shortening (such as Trex, Crisco or Copha) is a good substitute. To grate the shortening firstly freeze a stick or block of it until firm but not solid (this usually takes about 30 minutes).
Can you buy suet from the butcher?
You can buy fresh suet from a butcher, but these days the suet ‘knobs’ are usually removed from a carcass after slaughter, so no longer arrive at the butcher attached to the kidneys, so you’ll need to order ahead. Fresh suet has a dry, almost crumbly texture and a slightly meaty smell.