Stir-Up Sunday: A Celebration of Tradition and Togetherness

There’s a moment every November when the scent of brandy, spice, and citrus fills the air. That’s when I know it’s Stir-Up Sunday. This old English tradition occurs on the last Sunday before Advent. Families gather to make their Christmas puddings, each taking a turn to stir the rich, spiced mixture and make a wish.

In my kitchen, it’s a day of joyful chaos. Bowls, wooden spoons, and a bit of friendly arguing about who gets the final stir fill the space. Growing up, I remember the excitement of pressing a silver coin into the pudding mix for luck. The gentle hum of conversation as we worked together created a comforting atmosphere. There’s something deeply reassuring about rituals like these. They mark the turning of the seasons and tie generations together through scent, taste, and memory.

The Magic of Stir-Up Sunday

Now, here in our Highland kitchen, Stir-Up Sunday feels just as magical. Perhaps it’s a little more peaceful, with Bella and Bracken snoozing by the fire while Simon keeps an eye on the brandy bottle! I like to imagine kitchens across the country coming alive with that same warmth and anticipation. Each one is filled with its own stories, laughter, and well-worn spoons.

This year, why not make it your own? You don’t have to stick to the classic pudding if it’s not your thing. The real joy of Stir-Up Sunday lies in the stirring. It’s about taking a moment to pause, bake something special, and fill your home with the spirit of Christmas.

Two Festive Recipes to Try

Here are two recipes that celebrate the occasion: one sweet and one savoury. They are perfect for gathering family or friends around the table for a good stir and a shared moment of cheer.

Spiced Gingerbread and Orange Pudding with Toffee Sauce

Spiced Gingerbread and Orange Pudding with Toffee Sauce

This recipe nods to tradition but is lighter and brighter than a dense Christmas pudding. It brings together the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and orange with a golden toffee drizzle. It’s the kind of pudding that makes everyone go quiet for a moment with that first spoonful.

Ingredients

• 150g unsalted butter, softened

• 150g dark brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 tbsp black treacle or molasses

• Zest of 1 orange

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp mixed spice

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 100ml milk

  
  

Toffee Sauce:

• 100g light brown sugar

• 100g butter

• 150ml double cream

• Pinch of sea salt

  
  

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and butter a medium pudding basin or baking dish.

2. Cream the butter and sugar until light, then beat in the eggs one at a time.

3. Stir in the treacle and orange zest.

4. Fold through the flour, spices, and baking powder, then add the milk until smooth.

5. Spoon into the dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until risen and springy.

6. Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce by melting the butter and sugar in a small pan until combined. Stir in the cream and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently for a few minutes.

7. Serve the warm pudding drizzled generously with sauce.

   
   

Thermomix tip: Prepare the toffee sauce in minutes on Varoma, Speed 2, or whip up the sponge mixture effortlessly using the Butterfly whisk setting. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for festive entertaining.

Spiced Cranberry and Chestnut Sausage Rolls

Spiced Cranberry and Chestnut Sausage Rolls

Stir-Up Sunday isn’t just about sweet puddings. It’s about stirring up memories, flavours, and maybe a bit of mischief in the kitchen too. These festive sausage rolls make a wonderful snack while the pudding steams or a brilliant make-ahead bite for your Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

• 500g good-quality sausage meat

• 100g cooked chestnuts, finely chopped

• 50g dried cranberries, chopped

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry

• 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)

• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

  
  

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, mix the sausage meat, chestnuts, cranberries, onion, thyme, mustard, and seasoning.

3. Roll out the pastry and cut it in half lengthways. Spoon the filling down the centre of each strip, then roll up and seal the edges with egg wash.

4. Slice into bite-sized rolls, brush with more egg, sprinkle with seeds if using, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

   
   

Thermomix tip: Chop the cranberries, onion, and chestnuts together for a fine, even texture before adding the sausage meat. A quick pulse on Speed 5 for 5 seconds does the trick!

Christmas Baking Ingredients

A Time to Stir, Share, and Celebrate

Whether you’re mixing pudding or pastry, Stir-Up Sunday is really about togetherness. It’s about taking a pause before the festive rush begins. This day reminds us why we cook: not just to feed, but to connect, create, and remember.

So this Sunday, gather your loved ones, grab a spoon, and get stirring. You might just find yourself creating a new family tradition in the process.

✨ If you’d love to make this year’s festive cooking a little easier, you can:

• Order my Chef-Prepared Christmas Dishes from Meg’s Scottish Kitchen — beautifully seasonal, ready to heat and serve.

• Book a Thermomix demo to see just how simple it is to make puddings, sauces, and festive bakes in minutes.

• Explore my cookbooks for more winter-warming recipes rooted in comfort, tradition, and the joy of sharing good things with good people.

  
  

Let’s stir up something wonderful this Christmas!