Not the Christmas pudding

[MaggieW]

We're having Christmas at ours this year and would rather have a lighter dessert than a Christmas pud. Can anyone suggest something that's a little out of the ordinary but not as heavy as Christmas pud?

I don't know if it's exactly the lighter option as it has about a pint and a half of cream in it but I'm doing chocolate bread and butter pudding this year, because it's a chuck-it-all-in-the-bowl recipe and can cook in the oven while we eat the main course

pavlova with loads of cream and fresh fruit - really nice with pineapple

I'm going to make Christmas pudding ice-cream (but then again I am hoping it's going to hit at least 30 degrees!)

Christmas Pudding icecream is a great idea, for you get the smells and tastes of Christmas in it without the stodge.

Nice simple recipe here - no icecream maker required, and think how good it will feel to have that pud already made and frozen a day or two before to cut down the work on the Day!

I've also often made this lemon icecream tart with a gingernut crust by the divine Nigel Slater (scroll down) and it's truly delicious - can also make it several days before, take out of freezer so it softens slightly for 20 mins or so.

Another option is a delicious creamy sherry trifle: a nicely made trifle (no jelly, just good custard etc) is one of the most delicious desserts around IMO.