CNN talks about puddings (http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/12/21/spo ... ?hpt=hp_c2) and other desserts

Spots are fine but no raised bumps.

Spotted Dick should be round roughly the size of a soccer ball whereas Spotted Dog is sausage shaped - 4 to 6 inches in diameter.

Wonderful!

With lashings of proper custard! Guaranteed to stick your ribs together.

If the prospect of suet, or the fact that you have to boil it for several hours does not appeal you can make an acceptable alternative using margarine. That only need about an hour.

Made something similar to this just earlier today... traditional English figgy pudding. (Okay, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" carolers, you've got some. Now quit singing about how you all like it and won't go until you've got some, and get out already!)

Turned out quite delicious, and I agree with the reports, this kind of thick Christmas pudding really does fill you up and satisfy that comfort food nerve that's deep down.

....confesses to be a lazy bugger and buys the tinned (US: 'canned') version at M&S. But Spotted Dick IS excellent...