NATIONAL INDIAN PUDDING DAY
National Indian Pudding Day recognizes a cold-weather classic. On November 13th each year, serve up this traditional New England dessert that’s sure to wow.
In the seventeenth century, English colonists brought hasty pudding to North America, transforming it. Although they initially made the pudding with wheat, due to a shortage of grain, the colonists eventually used cornmeal. Since the colonists had learned to cultivate maize (corn) from the indigenous peoples, the crop was readily available. The colonists derived the name for Indian pudding from their name for cornmeal – Indian meal. They also replaced the water with milk. For added flavor, cooks add either molasses or maple syrup. Other ingredients they added include cinnamon, ground ginger, butter, eggs, raisins, and nuts.
They then slowly baked the Indian pudding for several hours. Baking transforms the pudding’s texture from the original porridge-like quality of hasty pudding to a much smoother consistency which is more typical of custard.
- Before 1900, most American cookbooks included a recipe for Indian pudding.
- By the 20th-century, commercial puddings with an industrially perfect creamy consistency replaced the popularity of Indian pudding.
- The long cooking time required for Indian pudding did not appeal to 20th century home cooks.
- However, during the autumn holidays, Indian pudding some restaurants serve the dish due to its fall traditions.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pair nicely with Indian pudding.
HOW TO OBSERVE #IndianPuddingDay
While Indian pudding may take a long time to cook, it’s worth the wait. Try making some Indian pudding using this Slow Cooker Indian Pudding Recipe. And when you do, be sure to take a picture and share your triumphant reward. You know others will want to join you then.
Use #IndianPuddingDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL INDIAN PUDDING DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday.
Pudding FAQ
Q. Are there other types of pudding celebrated on the calendar?
A. With a resounding, “Yes!” we can confirm there are several pudding days on the calendar!
- Plum Pudding
- Vanilla Pudding
- Chocolate Pudding
- Rice Pudding
- Yorkshire Pudding
Q. Are puddings savory or sweet?
A. Puddings can be either savory or sweet. They can also have different levels of sweetness. Some puddings are made with grains or bread and others are more like custard.
