A pudding basin is the name given to a bowl which is typically used in a kitchen for mixing and food preparation and is formed in a dome-shape. A pudding basin is often available in a number of different materials such as plastic, Pyrex or Perspex. They come in a variety of sizes for different uses and some are available with removable and sealable lids which can help with steaming and storage.
Depending on the material which has been used to make the pudding basin they can be suitable for oven, microwave and dishwasher use and are extremely popular for use in the growing trend for oven to table ware with many pudding bowls forming an integral part of a set of dish ware.
The shape of the pudding basin
The shape of a pudding basin is especially important for three main reasons. The dome formation which is wide open at the top and not as wide at the bottom of the bowl makes it ideal for holding and hugging as the cook mixes or whisks. This adds to the comfort and control the user has and is in turn then able to exert over the mixing process. The open shape allows air to circulate throughout the mixture which is extremely important when making cakes or bread which relies on the circulation of air throughout the mixture to ensure the quality and density of the final product and finally because the smooth lines and lack of sharp corners (as might be present in a pan) allow for full mixture or whipping without sharp or hard to reach corners where mixture can become lodged or dry materials can be left un-mixed.
Uses of a pudding basin
Because of the versatile shape and sizes of the pudding basin and the immense resurgence in the popularity of home cooking there has never been a better time for people to invest in quality cooking ware and the pudding basin is simply an extension of the pots, pans and dinner ware which people dressing and filling their kitchen would normally take great pains in comparing and choosing. In addition to the obvious mixing, the new materials which a pudding basin is now available in, make it ideal for use in baking and many bowls are sold on this basis with one-pot recipes, where the ingredients are all prepared, cooked and then served from the same vessel, being just as suitable for sweet options as they are for savoury ingredients.
The same policy of a one-bowl option also applies to steaming which again is enjoying a huge surge in popularity and has become fashionable once more as a dessert option. The dome shape allows the steam to flow through the mixture cooking it effectively whilst the lid which is available with many a pudding basin is simply an extra convenience which saves the cook from having to seal the open end with foil or another heat and air resistant cover which is required for the steaming process.
