Does anyone still make their own christmas pudding these days?

[ComeOyefaithfulVeneer]

I was talking with a friend of mine today about when we were younger and our grandmothers used to make their own puddings and put a silver coin in for one lucky person to find. Obviously no shop is going to risk the law suits by putting anthing chokeable in it, but it got us wondering if anyone still makes their own or do you allbuy nowadays?

my mum makes them, I buy mine - we're not that keen on them, so don't make any effort

Ilove them. So much so that I buy the mini individual ones on sale afterchristmas so I can have them during the year .

I like mince pies though

I always make my own Christmas Pudding (use Nigella's recipe or Keith Floyd's) & put cleaned pound coins in. Any leftovers either get dredged in icing sugar & fried in butter or made into Christmas Pudding ice cream.

I don't make Christmas pudding because I don't like it and because I never have Christmas at home, but my mother still makes it and I would make it if I was going to eat it. I wouldn't dream of buying a shop one.

I also make my own mince pies although this isn't hard as I am useless at pastry so buy ready made pastry and a jar of mincemeat and hey presto!

I make mine using my husband's grandmother's recipe. Its hung safely in a closet upstairs as we speak.

OOOHHH christmas pudding ice cream sounds divine. Do you hasve a recipe?

I happen to know that FC is bringing me an ice cream maker this year.

I made some a few years ago - very satisfying and they were delicious. Incredibly heavy and dense though. Recipe was for a huge amount so I ended up with about 8! Gave some away and then I think the final two were comandeered as ballast for HMS Sheffield.

I make mine and the cake.

My lovely granny (in her 80s) still makes puddings for all her children and grandchildren. I actually don't like Christmas pudding but couldn't possibly tell her that after all these years so I eat it anyway and think of her slaving over a hot stove when she should be putting her feet up.

Christmas Pudding Ice Cream is very easy (a bit of a cheat really!)

Here's the recipe:

Mini Christmas Pudding Bombes

1 x 500ml tub good quality vanilla ice cream
100g Christmas Pudding
Redcurrants and icing sugar (optional)

Take the ice cream out of the freezer for 20 minutes or so to soften. Line 4 small ramekins or pudding moulds with cling film. Crumble the Christmas Pudding into small pieces. Put the softened ice cream into a bowl and stir through with the pudding crumbs. Divide the mixture evenly between the ramekins, cover with the overlapping clingfilm and return to the freezer.

To serve, remove from the freezer and ease the bombes out of the molds. Peel off the clingfilm. If there are any creases these can be removed by smoothing over with the back of a spoon dipped in warm water. Decorate with sprigs of redcurrants sprinkled with icing sugar.

...and here's one I made earlier!

I was going to make mine this year, but my mum made me one instead as she said I was too time-pressured!!! Definitely next year, though - her recipe is fab...

Oh but it doesn't give me the chance to use my new machine . On the other hand does anyone have the recipe for rub and raisin ice cream?

There's one here for an ice cream machine but I haven't used it myself.

Christmas Pudding Ice Cream
Serves 4-6

450ml (¾ pint) Single Cream
150ml (¼ pint) Whipping Cream
110g (4 oz) Mixed Dried Fruit
110g (4 oz) Caster Sugar
3 Egg Yolks
1 Orange, zest and juice
4 tbsp Light or Dark Rum
2 tbsp Port
1 tsp Ground Mixed Spice

Place the dried fruit, rum, port and orange zest and juice in a bowl, allow to marinate overnight.
Gently heat the single cream in a small saucepan to simmering point, do not boil.
Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and thick.
Gradually pour on the hot cream, stirring continuously.
Strain the mixture into a heavy-based saucepan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring continuously, until it coats the back of a wooden spoon.
Do not allow to boil.
Set aside to cool.
Whip the whipping cream until stiff.
Fold into the cold custard with the dried fruit mixture and mixed spice.
If using an ice cream maker follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Or, pour into a shallow freezer container, cover and freeze for about 3 hours.
Turn into a chilled bowl and beat well.
Return to the freezer container and freeze for a further 2 hours.
Beat the mixture again, then turn mould, cover and freeze for a further 2 hours until firm.
Transfer to the refrigerator to soften for 30 minutes before serving.
Turn out before serving.

Make my own. Although this year, I will be eating the puddings that I made last year - YUM!

I meant rum and raisin

My dad does, and the cake; I make Nigella's chocolate orange cake as the alternative pud (big family Christmas)- yummy.

awww peachy I was hoping that your folks were going to let us know the best place to buy a pudding this year!

anyone? I don't like it but I still have to have one to feed the 5 thousand (well 13)

ok before I get jumped on _ i've found the 'pudding' thread!

Riverford Organics do one, I have ordedd their mince pies for Mum this week LOL! .

You'd need to get me or one of the box people to order one.

I'm making my two tomorrow!

Delia recipe makes 2 good sized ones.

Mmmmm, love Christmas pud

I used to make my own but Mum has made a cake and pudding for me since I had ds3 because she thinks I Can't Cope.