Explore the warmth of family traditions through the story of Nana’s Jamaican Christmas Pudding, a cherished holiday delicacy for over a century.
Handed down from mother to daughter, this rich and dense pudding is more than a recipe—it’s a connection to heritage and home. The process begins weeks in advance, with fruits soaking in rum, port, and sherry. A carefully prepared dough is combined with these fruits and brown sugar burnt in port before being steamed for hours to create its signature melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Mary Anne uses a mixing bowl passed down from her mother when she left Jamaica in 1974, along with a handmade wooden spoon essential to the labor of love that goes into making the pudding. She now makes this timeless Jamaican dessert in Canada where it is a treasured family tradition.
Whether served during Christmas or shared as wedding favors, Nana’s Jamaican Christmas Pudding is more than just a treat—it's a piece of history, family, and love.
This exhibit is part of the upcoming Memories are Made in the Kitchen exhibition, a celebration of culinary traditions that connect us to our past, bring families together, and build bridges across cultures.
Exhibition highlights
- Heritage Recipe: Discover the multi-step process of preparing Nana’s Jamaican Christmas Pudding, including fruit-soaking, caramelization, and steaming
- Family Heirlooms: View the mixing bowl passed down through generations and the handmade wooden spoon used in the recipe
- Cultural Connections: Learn how this Jamaican tradition continues to thrive in Canada
- Special Occasions: Explore how the pudding is used as a cherished wedding favor and festive holiday treat
- Personal Reflections: Hear from Mary Anne about the significance of preserving family traditions across generations and continents
