This weekend, why not gather the family together and embrace the Christmas tradition of Stir Up Sunday.

This Sunday is the last before advent and it’s traditionally the day for families to gather in the kitchen and make the plum puddings ready for Christmas.

Fun fact: Stir-up Sunday takes its name from a prayer said in the Anglican church which begins: ‘Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord...’

However, recent reports suggest that two thirds of British children have never stirred a Christmas pudding mix, with many people opting to buy theirs pre-made. But it is a great way to start the festive season, with family and friends coming together to take turns stirring the mixture and making a wish for the year ahead.

Fun fact: The mixture is traditionally stirred east to west to represent the three wise men who visited the baby Jesus.

Fortunately, making a Christmas pudding is surprisingly easy. All you need is a set of scales, a large mixing bowl and spoon, a pudding basin (2 pint), baking parchment, string and a pan big enough to steam the pudding when made – and of course the ingredients.

Fun fact: Christmas puddings traditionally contain 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his disciples.

The perfect pudding should be dense and moist with a wealth of rich fruits and brandy. There are lots of different versions out there to try but most should be made before advent so the flavours can intensify in the weeks before the big day.

Fun fact: In some households, silver coins are added to the pudding mix and it is believed that finding one in your serving on Christmas day brings good luck. (We wouldn’t recommend it though if you want to avoid emergency visits to the dentist on Christmas Day!)

So if you are feeling inspired, put on your apron and gather loved ones around this Sunday for a festive cookery session that features lucky wishes for all. We have put together a simple recipe below, or you can follow the video above, so you can make your best Christmas pudding yet. Happy stirring!

Fun fact: Puddings are trimmed with holly to represent the crown of thorns but beware: holly berries are toxic so it may be best to avoid this tradition.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• 500g mixed dried fruit

• 200g dark muscovado sugar

• 100g plain flour

• 125g breadcrumbs

• 150g suet

• 2 teaspoons mixed spice

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 2 eggs

• 175ml Sherry

• 1 teaspoon baking powder and pinch of salt

• Zest of 1 orange

• A handful of chopped nuts

• 3 tablespoons brandy, to flame when served

INSTRUCTIONS

Grease your pudding basin generously. Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl then add eggs, sherry and zest and mix well (if mixture is still a little dry you can add another egg or a squeeze of orange juice to loosen). Now, of course, each loved one should have a stir and make a wish for the coming year. When everyone has had a turn, spoon the mixture into your pudding bowl and press down. Cover with baking parchment and tie round the bowl with string to secure. Steam in a pan of boiling water (to come halfway up pudding basin) for 5 hours, topping up the water regularly. An upturned saucer in the bottom of the pan keeps the pudding from too much heat. When cooked, cover with fresh parchment and store in a cool, dry place until needed (up to 3 months). To reheat, steam again in the same way for 1 – 2 hours. Serve the pudding a-flame: heat 3 tablespoons of brandy in a saucepan then pour around the base of the pudding and ignite.