Thank you one and all for the info on brandy butter. Now the only problem is that since our marriage (coming up to 25 years) the Christmas pudding was part of the box of gifts and goodies that arrived from my mother. Unfortunately, my dad has not been well this fall and she did not have the time to make extra puddings... and therefore I am without. We are trying to determine now whether we should just cook one up anyway (although) it won't have time to age; go for a mincemeat pie; or find another dessert. *sigh* Brandy butter may have to wait for next year ... or I could put it on my turkey. :-)