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Christmas

Who else still makes Christmas puddings?

(75 Posts)
Witzend Tue 01-Oct-19 14:54:49

So many people seem to make the cakes, but not the puds.
I love making ours - it's an old GH recipe and not so dense, dark and heavy as the average shop one. Even people who don't usually like Chr. pud usually like this version.

I don't usually make them until December - they're always fine - and will have carols playing while I'm at it. The smell while mixing up is lovely and Christmassy - a combination of lemon and orange zest, spices, and brown ale.
We always have it with brandy butter - also from an old GH recipe. But I do,provide cream for those who want it.

Gonegirl Tue 01-Oct-19 14:57:57

I do. I have a rule. They must be made by November 5th. Which means I usually make them on the 4th.

BBbevan Tue 01-Oct-19 15:00:09

I do. Usually make a few. For Acs families, Easter ( DH treat) and some small ones for if we just fancy one .

PernillaVanilla Tue 01-Oct-19 15:00:29

I still make them, from my old Delia Christmas book. i tick off the ingredients in pencil as my mother used to do, to be sure of not missing any. The recipe makes enough for two puddings and I save one for the next year.

Welshwife Tue 01-Oct-19 15:03:04

I have made them for years - Delia - changed from a recipe my mother used - but none done last year as I was undergoing chemo and unsure about this year - I am so much better but not sure quite up to the task yet!

Witzend Tue 01-Oct-19 15:27:05

My recipe also makes two, Pernilla - we eat the other one in January! We often put a slice in the microwave, with some of the leftover brandy butter on top. Yum!

GrannyGravy13 Tue 01-Oct-19 15:30:51

I make mine from my Great Grandmas recipe, usually make 6+ they last for two years at least if wrapped and stored properly.

trisher Tue 01-Oct-19 15:52:08

I still make mine and provide them for DS and family. Mine's a combination of recipes and I also like to make things interesting by adding a 'mystery' ingredient. There are so many different dried fruits out there now. I've done pineapple, sour cherries, cranberries and mango. People have to guess what it is. The secret to a rich unclaggy pudding is grated carrot!

annsixty Tue 01-Oct-19 16:04:29

I also make Delia’s pudding but the last few years I have halved the sugar and it makes no difference at all.

dogsmother Tue 01-Oct-19 16:06:19

Not me, I’ve made the cake though of which I will probably eat the most ?

LondonGranny Tue 01-Oct-19 16:13:04

I no longer make Christmas cake as a friend always makes me one these days. On the other hand I still make Christmas puds.

Oopsminty Tue 01-Oct-19 16:14:53

I don't. Witzend, but after reading your description I'm tempted.

My Grandma used to make the puddings. They were gorgeous. I shall endeavour to make a couple this year.

Mind you I say this every year about the Christmas Cake and I always end up getting them from M&S.

Mapleleaf Tue 01-Oct-19 16:25:13

Yes, I make Christmas pudding using either the GH recipe or Delia's. Stir up Sunday is the day I make mine. I make a Christmas cake, too, though often use Delia's Dundee cake recipe, adding a little more whisky, and "feeding" it weekly until Christmas. I used to make it October half term, but leave it a few more weeks now, though if I decide to make the richer cake, it will be October half term to give it a little more maturing time.

ginny Tue 01-Oct-19 16:27:20

I make the cake and puddings. Cake is from a very old Good Housekeeping book and the puds from an old Food digest magazine. I think I would be lynched if I bought one.

Eloethan Tue 01-Oct-19 16:36:24

I don't make Christmas cake, pudding or mince pies. Most of the family are not keen on any of these. I sometimes buy a very small Christmas pudding and I usually get very nice mince pies from our local baker for the few that like them.

aggie Tue 01-Oct-19 16:41:55

I make Mincemeat for the mince pies and usually have a couple of jars left to start next years off , it adds a depth of flavour

Desdemona Tue 01-Oct-19 16:42:49

I have never made a Christmas pudding. I quite like it but always buy one. Do they taste hugely different from homemade ones?

Calendargirl Tue 01-Oct-19 16:43:29

My pudding recipe is an old be-ro one, makes two not huge ones. Last year didn’t eat any, only DH, DIL and I like them, and not hungry enough after the turkey. So still in fridge. DH and I will probably eat them ourselves sometime, prefer custard or brandy sauce to go with them.

DanniRae Tue 01-Oct-19 16:43:41

No I don't make Christmas puddings. My daughter used to make a few but I was responsible for boiling them - for hours and hours. The kitchen and dining room windows used to be running with condensation - I was so glad when she stopped making them!
We don't have Christmas cake - no one used to eat it during Christmas time - I can't eat it as it's too rich so in the end it got thrown away sad

Whitewavemark2 Tue 01-Oct-19 16:44:37

I do. It has to be gluten free so I adapt Delias recipe.

I start this month with Delias Christmas chutney, then pudding, then cake. I used to make mincemeat as well but haven’t bothered for a few years.

Greenfinch Tue 01-Oct-19 16:56:48

I make a cheat's one starting with a jar of mincemeat(bought in January when they are reduced !) and adding other ingredients.It takes only 10 miutes to microwave and is fine for our needs.

Whitewavemark2 Tue 01-Oct-19 16:58:53

That sounds a good wheeze greenfinch

Greenfinch Tue 01-Oct-19 17:14:21

Yes,Whitewavemark2 .I am all for shortcuts and then I don't feel so bad if they go wrong.smile

M0nica Tue 01-Oct-19 18:06:18

I have always made my own cake pudding and mincemeat.

Nowadays that is essential as both DGD and DDiL have allergies, including nuts, and both know that, staying with us, they can eat as much cake and pudding and as many mince pies as they want without fear because they are all allergen free.

Calendargirl Tue 01-Oct-19 18:33:58

DanniRae

You can cook Christmas puddings in a slow cooker- does away with the condensation problems when steaming them.