To avoid brand bias, all were tasted blind and cooked according to instructions. The Good Housekeeping Institute tested 21 classic Christmas puddings, including those from supermarkets through to more luxury offerings. Point the pan away from you when pouring over the pud.Tip the brandy to the side of the pan before lighting.Gently warm the brandy in a small saucepan - this way, you can be confident it will ignite when you put a flame to it.Once you’ve cooked your pudding, turn it out onto a serving plate and ensure a clear surface area.Follow these instructions for a guaranteed flame: How to light a Christmas puddingįor the ultimate grand finale to your festive feast, you may want to light your Christmas pudding. If time allows, steaming should result in a lighter texture. Microwaved puddings can overheat, getting a little tough in the process. Show more Is it better to steam or microwave Christmas pudding?Īll the puddings in our round-up can be either steamed or cooked in the microwave however, many brands recommend the former for best results.