India, Dec. 16 -- Persimmon pudding is slowly starting to make an appearance on Christmas tables, and it's no wonder why. People are looking for dessert ideas that are both festive and balanced for the holidays. And persimmon pudding fits the bill, as it uses fully ripe persimmons to provide natural sweetness, reducing the need to add a ton of sugar. This makes it perfect for the modern cook looking to lighten up their holiday dessert options.

As for the origins of this lovely pudding, they go way back to East Asia and parts of Europe, where persimmons were a staple in winter desserts when the fruit was ripe enough to eat. Over time, persimmon fruit-based puddings became a natural fit for winter gatherings, particularly in places like Ja...