Spotted dick

Spotted dick is a classic British dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This pudding is traditionally made with suet, a type of fat, and dried fruit, and it is typically served with a generous helping of custard. Some modern versions replace the suet with other fats or incorporate eggs to achieve a more cake-like texture.

The name "spotted dick" might sound amusing to some, but it has a straightforward origin. The "spotted" part refers to the bits of dried fruit dotting the pudding, while "dick" and "dog" were old dialect words for pudding. This dessert has been around since at least the 19th century and is known by different names in various regions, such as "spotted dog" and "railway cake."

Over the years, the name has sparked quite a few laughs and cheeky comments. In some cases, it has even been renamed to avoid the giggles—such as "Spotted Richard." One of the earliest known recipes for spotted dick can be found in Alexis Soyer's 1849 cookbook. By 1892, its popularity was noted in The Pall Mall Gazette, attesting to its enduring appeal.