Christmas puddings (28)

This is a fairly basic Christmas plum pudding recipe but unlike other recipes it can actually have plums in it. Unfortunately the ingredient list is so long it isn't easy to make it in less than industrial quantities! This could prove fortunate, however, as they make great food gifts. You can substitute a mixture of fresh and dried apricots of peaches for the plums if you wish.

I remember my grandmother making this for Christmas, my mother used to make it and now I'm preparing it for our Christmas celebration.

This is my Aunty Jan's recipe for a delicious Christmas plum pudding, it is so good that she gets orders from other people! It is a lovely winter dessert, great with custard, cream or ice cream (or all of the above!) and full of festive spirit! It is however, a lengthy process - but is worth it!

My Mum sent me this recipe on my first Christmas when I moved out of home. To my surprise (and my husband's) it turned out perfectly. So easy, so affordable, so delicious...a must-have addition to your Christmas table.

I wanted to create a light chocolate Christmas pudding with plenty of chocolate chips so the kids would at least try it! No booze in this one and it cooks in a much shorter time but everyone enjoyed it and said it still tasted like Christmas pudding!

A rich and delicious last minute steamed pudding for Christmas dessert that has ground almonds, cinnamon, cloves and chocolate, of course!

These spicy and sweet plum puddings have been made for the royal household since the time of George I.

Lighter than the traditional pudding, this is packed with fruit, soaked in sherry and orange juice so it's extra juicy. Served with brandy sauce, this Christmas pudding won't leave you feeling uncomfortably full.

Easy to make, and delicious to eat using just a few ingredients. This steamed pudding is traditional fare for Christmas dinner.

The last Sunday before Advent is often called ‘Stir up Sunday’. Christmas puddings are best made a month or so before the big day itself so the mixture has time to fully mature. Traditionally, the whole family takes a turn at stirring the Christmas pudding, whilst making a wish. Another popular ritual is to add a coin or a sixpence into the mix. Whoever finds it on his or her plate on Christmas Day is brought abundant wealth and happiness!