Stirring up a treat for Christmas at Lakeside Hotel & Spa

The Lakeside Hotel & Spa, located on the shores of Lake Windermere, is stirring up a fantastic weekend break for visitors to take part in a one off cookery class and learn how to make a traditional Christmas Pudding.

Taking place over the weekend of 23rd and 24th November 2013 the class coincides with the traditional 'Stir Up Sunday' festival. Stir Up Sunday originates from the Anglican Churches to determine the final Sunday before the season of Advent and when cooks should begin preparation of their Christmas puddings.

To celebrate the Lakeside Hotel's chefs are hosting classes on Sunday 24th November where participants will learn how to create their own Christmas pudding. The puddings will be prepared, part cooked and then given to guests to take home to mature before they can enjoy it on Christmas Day.

Head chef Richard Booth commented, "The art of making a Christmas Pudding from scratch is one that some have lost over generations and it really is quite easy. As a hotel that prides itself on its fine dining and high quality food we want to give something back to our guests so they can enjoy the same quality at home. Each participant will prepare their pudding under our guidance and our team of chefs will part cook and look after the puddings for the duration of their stay. When ready to depart, guests can take their puddings home for safe storage and future enjoyment".

He continues: "The ingredients and principles of making a Christmas pudding are similar to that of a fruit cake or mince pies so hopefully the guests can transfer their new skills into other areas of home baking."

The course falls during the same weekend as the local Dickensian Christmas Festival in the nearby market town of Ulverston. The two day festival includes a Christmas Market, music, dancing, horse drawn carriages, fancy dress and a traditional fairground, providing a great day out for course participants.

The two night weekend stay costs from £149 per person based on two sharing a double room on a B&B basis.  This price includes all equipment, ingredients and tuition.

For information about the Lakeside Hotel & Spa, visit lakesidehotel.co.uk.

For information about the Dickensian Festival, visit dickensianfestival.co.uk.