[sarajane]

Aunt Sally - do you make the usual ratio of jelly and pour it over the cake, add fruit, wait for it to set, then top with cream?  Just wanted to check.  Thanks.

I use normal ratio of jelly less any alcohol I put in.  also make sure you don't use any pineapple fruit in as this stops the jelly from setting.

(oh, and I will be trying the evaporated milk in the custard.  never done before but sounds yummy) 

[Spana]

I dilute evaporated milk 2parts e/milk to 3 parts water, so 8fl ozs e/milk plus 12fl ozs water makes 1pt and I make the custard with that, gives a really nice taste to the custard. Custard made with normal milk tastes very bland to me, always being use to the evaporated milk version.

When I was little we always had a pint of sterilized milk delivered on a Sunday to make the custard with. You could have door step deliveries on a Sunday then.
 It came in a tall narrow glass bottle with a metal cap,like on beer.  It made the best flavoured custard  in the world

[mumofstig]

You can still buy sterilised milk 

It was the only milk we used to have delivered, and even when mum finally got a fridge we still carried on using it. I don't mind in anything except tea, which is YUKKY with sterilised milk!

[rhysdad]

Although i have never attempted this, http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/articles/a-Christmas-feast-at-river-cottage-hughs-roly-poly-Christmas-pudding.aspx is what i WANT to be a staple in our house at Christmas

[sunshineband]

You can still buy sterilised milk 

It was the only milk we used to have delivered, and even when mum finally got a fridge we still carried on using it. I don't mind in anything except tea, which is YUKKY with sterilised milk!

Funny how tastes vary -- I loathe sterilsed milk 

[Trillium]

We make several homemade apple pies for Christmas time, and if I have the time, I'll also make homemade buttertarts and chocolate chip cookies. The family is not really into goey, sugary, high fat desserts, which is just as well for my waistline.  :blink:

[NormandyMary]

You can still buy sterilised milk 

It was the only milk we used to have delivered, and even when mum finally got a fridge we still carried on using it. I don't mind in anything except tea, which is YUKKY with sterilised milk!

Funny how tastes vary -- I loathe sterilsed milk 

Although sterilised milk is the "norm" over here, more and more supermarkets are selling fresh milk. It can be a bit on the pricey side, I buy as much as I can, between 5 and 10 litres at a time and freeze it. Its a must for cereal, tea and coffee. However, for cooking, sauces, custard etc, I always use sterlised milk, I think it gives a creamier taste and its much cheaper.
I will also be making a trifle at Christmas. Its as traditional as Christmas pudding and mince pies.