Can you replace stout with Wychwood King Goblin in Christmas pudding?
So we’d ordered a stout for a Christmas pudding recipe, as part of an online supermarket order. But they’ve substituted it for “King Goblin” from Wychwood Brewery.
Now I’m not a beer drinker, and don’t know much about the flavour it introduces to a pudding. The ruby ale seems lighter in colour, and seems to have a similar alcohol content.
Will this make an appropriate substitution, or should we go and get some stout?
Thanks
Best Answer
This is likely a fine substitution.
I haven't tried King Goblin myself, but looking around online, I see some good signs:
The description of the beer on drizly (presumably provided by the manufacturer) mentions chocolate malt, and goes on to describe it as:
an indulgently rich, full, smooth beer
The reviews on beeradvocate consistently mention flavor notes such as:
- Chocolate
- "Dark fruit" or raisins
- Caramel
- Nutty/toasty
- Toffee malt
- Burnt sugar
These are many of the same qualities that you'd be looking for in a stout used for cooking.
Finally, this discussion thread from a homebrewing forum describes efforts to replicate it by hobbyists, and the comments there suggest that the original beer is not terribly bitter (~20 IBUs). This is good news, as particularly bitter beer is the primary thing you'd want to avoid when using it as a dessert ingredient.
It won't be perfect, as an English strong ale probably won't be as sweet or as thick as a proper stout, but I doubt it'll be different enough to cause problems for your pudding.
Pictures about "Can you replace stout with Wychwood King Goblin in Christmas pudding?"
What can I replace stout with in Christmas pudding?
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Brandy is most common, while stout adds a savory character and produces a pudding that's black as a cannonball (including treacle also helps achieve this color, if so desired). Sticky, sweet Pedro Xim\xe9nez sherry, rum, port, and even red wine have all also been commonly included throughout time.How long can you leave Christmas pudding before cooking?
Our answer. The uncooked Christmas pudding batter will keep for a short time before cooking. If unrefrigerated then we would suggest no longer than 3 hours.Can you eat uncooked Christmas pudding?
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