Christmas pudding

[shivvy]

How far in advance of christmas is it necessary to make a christmas pudding?
In any cooking, I always prefer making home-made recipes instead of store-bought food but should christmas puds be the exception to this? I have never made one before and imagine that they might be hard to get right?
Thanks.

[ethandron]

we made ours last week.

[shivvy]

Thanks everyone - maybe I'll give it a go!

[shivvy]

I fancy trying this one . . .
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/chr istmaspudding_71054.shtml
Just one question - how do I steam the puddings - do I simply put the filled pudding basins in the usual steamer that I use to do veg in ie sits on top of a saucepan of water?
Thanks

[ethandron]

we cooked ours in the microwave, and will be reheating it the same way. saves a lot of time and a steamed-up kitchen.

[coccinelle]

Christmas puddings were traditionally made on stir-up Sunday which is the Sunday before Advent, which was last Sunday! I suppose there are so many things to do before Christmas this was one which could be done a month in advance.