Christmas Pudding versus Panettone?

My brother in law always used to bring Panettone if he came to stay at Christmas when he lived in Italy. I thought it was dry and very boring. His brother, my ex, adored Christmas pudding and would eat it all year round if possible so I used to buy huge quantities after Christmas when the prices were reduced. Sadly these days the supermarkets rarely have any left to reduce the prices of when Christmas is over.
Having said that, last year my DD was given a hamper by her employers. I think it was of German origin and contained a large Panettone amongst other goodies. I was amazed to find it much more exciting than the ones BiL had brought many years ago. It seemed slightly more fruity and flavoursome than the ones I'd previously experienced and a lot less dry! I was quite surprised. I guess we are more international and eclectic in our eating habits these days as people travel more. I guess it also varies depending on the manufacturer. Fruity Christmas pudding is very traditional English.

I much prefer stollen to panettone and Christmas pudding.

Whitewavemark2

I’ve made the Christmas puddings weeks ago, and am toying with the idea of making a panettone - I often make a stollen but might try something lighter this year.

Let us know how it goes please...

It's a very long process - I'm prepared to do it but reluctant to begin days of work for no lush reward!

It is NOT either or. They are not interchangeable. They are for eating at different times. As panettone is yeast based the dough is a starting point for many other cakes. On the continent in any event.

Dislike both will not be serving them.

For teabag, corner and jax, absolutely, Xmas pud is far too heavy, (I liked it when I was about 12), and Panettone, well, frankly, for that type of thing I'd sooner have what we called a tea loaf. With increased years, we can't eat so much these days, so we've little room for any puds after what is now a gigantic Xmas dinner!

I ve never really bothered with Panettone, tasted it once but it didn’t pull me in, it was ok
I ve never bought one and don’t know how I d use it do you put butter on it like bread or eat a slice like cake
I like Christmas pud, once a year,

Well, there is no accounting for taste, is there?

If panettone is what I think it is, I am not willing to risk breaking any of my teeth on it, as I find it extremely uninteresting,

grandtante I think you may have paneforte in mind - which is a real toothbreaker, needs to be in small pieces

Panettone is a tall light cake/bread which can be eaten as it is, toasted or made into a bread and butter pudding. It traditionally has dried fruit but can be found in many variations. I love it!

Here's some interesting info re Panforte along with a recipe.

www.souschef.co.uk/blogs/the-bureau-of-taste/panforte

This same website has some great panettone information too including what to do with it other than just eat it as it is:

www.souschef.co.uk/pages/search-results?q=panettone#

They do sell some truly delicious panettone if anyone is interested - and there's an article about how to choose the right one for you (as it explains the differences re different brands).

No Contest!! Xmas pudding every time!

The Panettone has invaded the supermarkets here in Versailles so I think the profit margins must be good. I don’t see any British Christmasy in the food line (even before Brexit) but I do see a few Stollens.
Personally, I love Christmas puddings and cake. I was very lucky to have a Booths pudding given to me by my DD. when she flew over.

The only time I bought an Italian panettone was in the UK and when we opened it, well within date, it was thick with mould 🤮

I've never bought one since but I understand it makes a lovely type of bread and butter pudding (with the egg custard underneath).