Eggnog isn’t really a part of my family’s Christmas. It’s usually at least 30°C outside (as any Aussie can attest) and a cup of cold, liquidy custard is fairly unappealing to me. But bread pudding, or bread and butter pudding, is definitely a family recipe that I embrace. My grandad Ernie used to make it all the time, and he would even do a dried-fruit-free version for picky eaters. He was one of my favourite people and, in the spirit of his generosity and exuberance, here is my Christmas version of his recipe. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.