Stir-up Sunday – the last Sunday before advent – is almost here! We can’t believe we only have one week left before advent either. Rather than panicking about what you don’t have prepared for Christmas day, slow down this Sunday and spend a lovely day baking. Between me and you, it’s also the perfect excuse to treat yourself and enjoy your first mulled wine of the season. There’s no better smell than mulled wine on the hob and fresh bakes in the oven. Stir-up Sunday just got even dreamier…
What Is Stir-Up Sunday?
This super sweet day dates as far back as the Victorian era, when it became associated with bringing the family together to make the annual Christmas pudding. Prepping the Christmas pudding well in advance leaves time for the rich flavours to mature, and allows you to feed your cake more brandy over the weeks. Most importantly, there will be one less job on Christmas day.
On Stir-Up Sunday, families traditionally gather together to mix the pudding and each member should take a turn in stirring the mixture whilst making a wish. The pudding mix is said to be stirred from east to west, in honour of the Three Wise Men who came from the east to visit the baby Jesus
When it’s finally time to indulge on Christmas Day, the serving of the pudding simply needs to be reheated, doused in warm brandy and served with brandy butter, cream or hot custard. The topping choice being a debate only your family can settle together. It’s admittedly an annual debate in my household.
Stir-Up Sunday Inspiration
However, if you can’t wait 5 weeks to eat a pud, or Christmas pudding isn’t your cup of tea, we’ve rounded up 4 alternative Stir-up Sunday bakes. Inspired of course by all of our favourite Christmas desserts here at Silver Mushroom.
Sticky Toffee Christmas Pudding
For the Christmas pudding lovers who want to try something a little different this year, we have a sticky toffee pudding with a twist.
Sticky Gingerbread Buns With Spiced Brown Butter Icing
Nothing brings in the festive season like warming gingerbread with cinnamon and nutmeg. Think cinnamon rolls with a Christmas flare.
Mary Berry’s Yule Log
Another Christmas classic, by the Queen of baking herself. A yule log is sure to please any sweet-tooth.
Cranberry White Chocolate Cheesecake
Cheesecake is the universal crowd-pleasing dessert, fit for any season and any party. Whether it be Biscoff or chocolate, you can’t go wrong with a cheesecake. With no bake required, they are also a great choice if you don’t have too much time. And what better way to make a cheesecake Christmassy than bringing some festive cranberries into the mix?
Now that you have all your Stir-up Sunday baking inspiration, your scales and mixing bowls should be at the ready. Silver Mushroom of course can lend a hand if you’re short of any of your winter baking essentials.
