Is it alright to put 5p pieces in christmas puddings?

Answer 1

Wrap them in greaseproof paper first, and as someone else said - warn your guests! That's what my mother did in the 60s.

Answer 2

A Christmas pudding tradition was the addition of adding an old coin to the mixture, which is cooked in the pudding. It will supposedly bring wealth to whoever finds it on their plate on Christmas Day. An old silver sixpence or threepenny bit is the traditional coin, but a thoroughly washed 10p piece will do. Just make sure everyone knows it's there and warn them to look out for it when tucking into the pud.

Answer 3

Used to be a silver sixpence that went in them and that isn't much different in size from the 'new' 5p coin.
Although there are now warnings and panic about it killing folks I think that in reality it must have hardly happened... I even feel the stories of people dying from getting them stuck in their throats may be more urban legend that hard fact. We had them at Christmas then at Halloween and on our birthdays my Gran did a (clootie) dumpling this way as well. In all these times, over all these years and in all our friends, family and acquaintances there was never any ill in it.... and this must bring thousands and thousands of coins into the equation.
As others have said though, wrap them in greaseproof paper (not tinfoil) and since it is no longer a common practice you should perhaps mention they will be in it LOL

Answer 4

It is interesting to observe the different generations answering this question.I also recall the "silver threepenny" being planted in the pudding(though, I hasten to add,they were not legal tender,having been kept for the purpose) through then to those that recall the 6d being used and the current (paranoid and overly P.C.) generation who are fearfull of carrying on a tradition that I doubt has claimed a single life. I think I might look out my old "silver 3ds" for this years pudding!!

Answer 5

I'd use 10p pieces as they are larger and you would be less likely to accidentally swallow them. You should wrap them up in tin foil for health and hygiene reasons as well, most germs in the world are carried via currency, think about how many times you've sneezed or coughed into your hand while out shopping then handled money!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally warn people there is buried treasure in the xmas pudding! Take these precautions and all should be fine. Merry Christmas to you and all pudding makers every where!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

i cant remember what coin it used to be before decimalisation but my gran always put a old 5p in the Xmas pudding.
i would not put a new 5p in the Xmas pudding as there really small and someone might swallow it or choke on it.
try a 10p there bigger about the same size as an old 5p

hope this help

Answer 7

Five pence pieces are just the wrong size to handle with either fingers or tongue and you are right to worry as they could find their way down someone's windpipe and block it. Play safe and leave the coins out but...

Carry on the spirit of the tradition by handing out a foil-covered chocolate coin, 'for luck', with each portion of pudding.

Answer 8

For info of all, the coin that used to be put in was a silver 3 penny bit, about the same size as a 5 p coin. We had no probs then.....

Answer 9

my pud is steaming as we speak
dont put any money in the actual christmas pudding but put the coins in the bowls befor you dish up that way you can "plan" who the lucky one is
and dont be mean put a quid in
merry tinsel to you

Answer 10

I'd recommend something a little bigger, 5p is a lovely chokey size! Try 50p, but still warn the guests!

Answer 11

you might be better off putting a far less amount of 50p pieces in and warning that theres money in the pudding