Traditional South African Telephone Pudding
Discover the charm of South African culinary heritage with this delightful Telephone Pudding. An iconic dessert, its origins trace back to the time of party-line telephones, where recipes were lovingly shared over the phone, leading to this whimsical name. This pudding is known for its soft sponge-like texture, infused with the sweetness of apricot jam and a rich buttery flavor, all submerged in a luscious syrup. Every bite evokes nostalgia, and it makes for a perfect winter indulgence that is sure to impress your guests. As you savor this warm dessert, you're not just enjoying a treat but also a piece of history that has been passed down through generations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Superfine sugar or caster sugar
1 cup (Measure and set aside.)
Butter
4 ounces (Softened at room temperature.)
Apricot jam
2 tablespoons (Smooth consistency.)
Egg
1 large (Beaten lightly.)
Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon (Measure with milk.)
Milk
1 cup (At room temperature.)
Flour
1 1/2 cups (Sifted if necessary.)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (Ground.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
Sugar for syrup
1 cup (For the syrup.)
Boiling water
2 cups (Boil in advance.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional South African Telephone Pudding?
It is a classic South African dessert featuring a soft sponge-like texture, flavored with apricot jam and butter, and soaked in a rich syrup.
Why is it called Telephone Pudding?
The name comes from the era of party-line telephones, when the recipe was shared orally among friends and neighbors over the phone.
What are the main flavor profiles of this pudding?
The pudding is characterized by its sweet apricot jam flavor, buttery sponge, and a hint of ground ginger.
What is the texture of Telephone Pudding?
It has a soft, sponge-like texture that becomes moist and luscious when submerged in its accompanying syrup.
Which type of sugar should be used for the batter?
The recipe calls for one cup of superfine sugar or caster sugar for the batter.
How much butter is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of butter, which should be softened at room temperature.
What kind of jam is used in Telephone Pudding?
Traditional Telephone Pudding uses two tablespoons of smooth apricot jam.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need one large egg, which should be lightly beaten before adding to the mixture.
How is the baking soda prepared?
One teaspoon of baking soda or bicarbonate of soda should be measured and mixed with the milk.
What is the recommended milk temperature?
The one cup of milk used in the recipe should be at room temperature.
How much flour is used in this pudding?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of flour, which can be sifted if necessary for a better texture.
Does the recipe include any spices?
Yes, it includes one teaspoon of ground ginger to add a subtle warmth to the flavor.
How much salt is included?
One teaspoon of salt is measured and set aside to be included in the batter.
What ingredients are needed for the syrup?
The syrup is made using one cup of sugar, two cups of boiling water, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is vanilla extract used in the batter or the syrup?
In this specific recipe, the one teaspoon of vanilla extract is intended for the syrup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients used to make both the pudding batter and the syrup.
Is Telephone Pudding considered a seasonal dish?
While it can be enjoyed year-round, it is specifically noted as a perfect winter indulgence due to its warm, comforting nature.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, its nostalgic charm and rich flavor make it a dessert that is sure to impress guests.
What is the history of this dessert?
It is a piece of South African culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations, originating from community sharing.
How should the syrup be prepared?
The syrup involves mixing sugar and vanilla extract into boiling water.
Should the flour be sifted?
The instructions suggest sifting the 1 1/2 cups of flour if necessary to ensure a smooth batter.
Can I use regular granulated sugar?
The recipe specifies superfine or caster sugar, which dissolves more easily into the butter and egg mixture.
What is the best way to serve Telephone Pudding?
It is best served warm, ideally with the syrup thoroughly soaking the sponge.
What makes this pudding a comfort food?
Its warm temperature, sweet apricot flavor, and the nostalgia of its origin contribute to its status as a comfort food.
What role does the apricot jam play?
The apricot jam provides both sweetness and a distinct fruity tang that is traditional to South African puddings.
Is the egg added whole?
The egg should be lightly beaten before being incorporated into the recipe.
Does the recipe contain bicarbonate of soda?
Yes, one teaspoon of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) is used as a leavening agent.
How much boiling water is required?
Two cups of boiling water are required to create the syrup for the pudding.
Is ground ginger a strong flavor in this dish?
With only one teaspoon, the ginger provides a mild, aromatic background note rather than an overwhelming spice.
What is the significance of the syrup?
The syrup is essential as it creates the 'luscious' finish and moisture that defines the pudding's texture.