A Christmas Treasure at the Gallery with a Recipe to Match!

If you walked past our windows at KAB Gallery Terrigal today, you will have likely noticed a Christmas themed painting “Afternoon Tea in December” by Jacki Fewtrell-Gobert hanging front and centre. To join in the holiday cheer, we’ve hung this great original painting to draw the eye of passers-by from the Terrigal Esplanade and away from the scenic backdrop of Terrigal Beach. The painting is a perfect example of artistic talent mixed with nostalgia, featuring a festive high tea stand full of delightful mini Christmas puddings—a sight that feels as warm and inviting as any upcoming family Christmas celebration on the calendar this year.

Adding to the charm, Jacki has shared her treasured family Christmas pudding recipe, passed down since the late 1800s, allowing us all to try out some traditional creativity in our own kitchens. 

Dee Dee’s Christmas Pudding

This traditional recipe has been lovingly modernised over generations, making it a delicious addition to your own holiday celebrations:

Ingredients:

• 250 g prunes
• 125 g dates
• 500 g sultanas
• 250 g raisins
• 125 g currants
• 60 g mixed peel
• 1 apple (grated)
• 1 tsp grated lemon rind
• 2 tbsp brandy
• 185 g butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups day-old breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp flour
• ½ tsp each of mixed spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit: Chop all dried fruit and mix with the grated apple and lemon rind. Pour brandy over the mixture and let it soak for a week.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter until soft, then add the sugar and mix until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, spices, salt, and bicarbonate of soda. Add this to the creamed mixture, followed by the soaked fruit and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly.
4. Steam the Pudding: Pour the mixture into a well-buttered pudding basin. Cover with heavy-duty foil and tie securely with string. Place the basin in a large pot with hot water reaching halfway up the sides. Steam for six hours, checking regularly to ensure the water doesn’t boil dry.
5. Store and Serve: Allow the pudding to cool before storing it in the refrigerator. To serve, warm it, flame it with a ¼ cup of brandy, and enjoy the festive spectacle!

• I guarantee the recipe is good!
  My own attempt was a 100% crowd pleaser! 

This recipe isn’t just a nod to the season but a beautiful bridge to the artist herself, connecting us to her own personal Christmas cooking tradition.

A Christmas Treasure in the Gallery

“Afternoon Tea in December” is the perfect centrepiece for a festive Aussie home and it is available for purchase too.

Afternoon Tea in December

Jacki’s work is just one of the many treasures you’ll find at KAB Gallery. Her solo exhibition, “Maximalist Muse: Rooms, Views, and Colour,” recently opened at KAB Gallery Sydney on 29th November. Though not Christmas-themed, the exhibition offers a vibrant collection of paintings that make meaningful and unique gifts this holiday giving season. The paintings are all beautifully framed and ready to enjoy. 

Some of the available pieces: 

Interior with Afternoon Sun

Memory of Another Time

Lower Lounge Room

If you’re visiting Terrigal Beach, don’t miss the opportunity to see “Afternoon Tea in December” in the gallery window or if you are in Sydney, make sure you see Maximalist  Muse: Rooms Views and Colours — Jacki’s art can beautifully capture the feeling and style of an Australian home during any season!

Contact us to speak with our friendly team about finding the perfect piece for your collection.

For more festive inspiration and to see what’s new, visit KAB Gallery Terrigal, where art meets the joy of the season.

About the author

Kerry-Anne Blanket

Director & Curator - KAB Gallery

KAB Gallery’s Kerry-Anne Blanket holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts and two Masters degrees (Hons) from the University of Sydney. With an extensive career in art education along with the management of museums and investment art galleries, Kerry-Anne can offer premier art consulting to her clients and source specially requested works. 

She has a keen eye for detail, comprehensive art market knowledge and a love of all things beautiful. Kerry-Anne works directly with artists and collectors alike to curate interesting and eclectic exhibitions.