Queen of Puddings

Queen of Puddings is a traditional British dessert, known for its distinctive layers of breadcrumb sponge, jam, and meringue. The dessert is believed to have originated in the 17th century and has been a staple in British households ever since.

History

The origins of the Queen of Puddings can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was known as 'Monmouth Pudding'. The dessert was later renamed in honour of Queen Victoria, who reportedly enjoyed the pudding during a visit to Manchester.

Preparation

The Queen of Puddings is made by creating a breadcrumb sponge base, which is then topped with a layer of jam, usually raspberry jam. The final layer is a fluffy meringue topping, which is browned in the oven to create a crisp exterior.

The breadcrumb sponge is made by combining milk, sugar, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs, and then allowing the mixture to sit until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk. Eggs are then added to the mixture, which is baked until set.

The meringue topping is made by whipping egg whites until they form stiff peaks, and then gradually adding sugar while continuing to whip the mixture. The meringue is then spread over the jam layer and the pudding is returned to the oven until the meringue is golden brown.

Variations

While raspberry jam is the traditional choice for the jam layer, other variations of the Queen of Puddings may use different types of jam, such as blackcurrant jam or strawberry jam. Some versions may also include a layer of custard between the breadcrumb sponge and the jam.

In popular culture

The Queen of Puddings has been featured in various forms of media, including television shows such as the Great British Bake Off, where contestants were challenged to create their own versions of the classic dessert.

See also

• List of British desserts
• British cuisine
• Meringue