Christmas ice cream

Split the vanilla pod lengthways with the tip of a sharp knife and scrape the inside to remove the seeds. Add both the pod and the seeds to a heavy-based saucepan with the milk and bring to the boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and set aside - remember to remove the scraped out vanilla pod

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until creamy in colour. Then, gradually whisk in the hot milk

Pour the mixture into a separate saucepan over a low-medium heat and keep stirring with a wooden spoon until the mix thickens in consistency enough to coat the back of the spoon. Do not allow to boil as the mix will curdle

Gently incorporate the crumbled Christmas pudding and continue to stir gently

Pour the contents of the pan into a large bowl and allow to cool slightly

Meanwhile, whip the double cream until soft peaks form and add to the bowl, along with the drops of vanilla essence

Churn in an ice cream maker, or if you do not have this piece of equipment, simply place the mix into the freezer and whisk every once in a while until it has frozen