Christmas Pudding, Britain

A Christmas pudding being flamed at the table, the blue flicker coming from warmed brandy poured over and lit. Underneath is a dense steamed mix of dried fruit, suet, breadcrumbs, spices and dark sugar, made weeks ahead so it can mature. Tradition says the household stirs the batter together on Stir-up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent, each person making a wish, and some families still hide a silver coin inside for luck.