princieprakash - many people in the native range of Diospyros virginiana (common or American persimmon) make persimmon pudding instead of fig pudding. However, since asian persimmons have been grown in the US since 1850, many people use them for making persimmon pudding as well. You should be able to get asian persimmons in India.
A friend of mine makes a traditional fig pudding with hard sauce. The traditional pudding is not favored by some because of all the beef suet/tallow. Also, those folks who don't like alcoholic beverages may object to the rum in the hard sauce.
Around here, in addition to persimmon pudding, holiday fare includes pumpkin pies, pecan pies, sweet potato pies (or a mix of sweet potato and pumpkin), cranberry/orange relish (real relish but some folks like the cranberry goo in a can too), various cookies...gingerbreads are always a favorite, etc.
This year I'm experimenting with a pawpaw pie. Here, pawpaw is Asimina triloba...but in tropical areas pawpaw may be used to refer to papayas (Carica papaya).
I'll have to think about the rest. I'll get back to you.
Last edited by persimmonpudding; 09-19-2008 at 09:46 PM.
persimmonpudding.com: dedicated to growing, education, and use of Diospyros virginiana L., the common, or American persimmon...and persimmon pudding is ALWAYS a holiday favorite!!!