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Suet

 Suet
Key facts

The solid, dense fat that encloses beef kidneys is true suet, and a substance very hard to obtain in its whole form as butchers no longer receive suet intact, with the kidneys in the middle.

Suet is the correct, traditional shortening for steamed puddings – sweet and savoury – and also always used to be used to make mincemeat: remember to make some adjustments if you are entertaining vegetarians.

 
Related Recipes
Steak and Kidney Pudding with Steak and Kidney Gravy Serves 6

Steak and Kidney Pudding with Steak and Kidney Gravy

The ultimate comfort food, this classic steamed pudding is always going to hit the spot. And it's surprisingly easy to make - then all you do is leave it to bubble away for a few hours.

 
 
Individual Sussex Pond Puddings with Lemon Butter Sauce Serves 6

Individual Sussex Pond Puddings with Lemon Butter Sauce

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St Stephen's Pudding Serves 4

St Stephen's Pudding

This was sent to me by a television viewer in East Anglia and is a very good alternative if you prefer a less rich pudding for Christmas.

 
 
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Spiced Fig Pudding with Cumberland Rum Butter

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Christmas Easy: The Delia Christmas Pudding Serves 8-10

Christmas Easy: The Delia Christmas Pudding

This, without apologies, is my Christmas pudding recipe that has been in print for 30 years, and the one I have used each year ever since. If I say it myself, it is unbeatable, especially when it has had a little time to mature. This recipe makes one