CONTENTSCOVER
LISTOFRECIPESABOUTTHEBOOKABOUTTHEAUTHOR
TITLEPAGEWHATISTHEPUDDINGCLUB?THEGREATBRITISHPUDDING
OURRECIPESCOOKINGTIPS
CHAPTER1CHAMPIONPUDDINGS
CHAPTER2SCHOOL-DINNERPUDDINGS
CHAPTER3FAMILYFAVOURITES
CHAPTER4FORGOTTENPUDDINGS
CHAPTER5PUDDINGSWITHATWIST
CHAPTER6CHOCOHOLICS&NUTCASES
CHAPTER7SUMMERPUDDINGS
CHAPTER8WINTERPUDDINGS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCOPYRIGHT
LISTOFRECIPESAmodernChristmaspuddingAppleandapricotlayerpuddingAppleandcinnamonamberAppleandcustardAppleandmincemeatpuddingApplebolsterApplebrownBettyApplecharlotteAppledappyAppleflapjackApplesnowAppletartApricotandalmondpuddingsApricottansyApricotturnoversAutumnpearpudding
BakedapplespongeBakedapplesBakedapplesinblanketsBakedcustardBakedpeachesBakewellpuddingBakewelltartBananafrittersBanoffeepuddingBlackberrycharlotte
BlackberryEtonmessBlackberryExeterpuddingBlackberry,appleandcinnamoncrumbleBlackcurrantandlemonspongepuddingBlackcurrantandmintpieBloodorangepuddingsBramleyappleandlemoncurdpuddingsBreadandbutterpuddingBreadpuddingButterscotchtart
CabinetpuddingCarrotpuddingCharlotteroyaleChestnutandchocolatepuddingChocolatebreadandbutterpuddingChocolatemousseChristmaspuddingCinnamonandapplebreadpuddingCoconutricepuddingCollegepuddingCustardtart
DamsoncobblerDarkchocolatepavéDateandwalnutpuddingDuchess’spuddingDukeofCambridgetart
Elderberry,blackberryandapplepuddingEve’spudding
Figgypudding
Floatingisland
GingersyruppuddingGooseberryandalmondpuddingGooseberryandelderflowercrumbleGooseberryandelderflowerfoolGooseberryandelderflowerlayerpuddingGooseberryandorangepuddingGreengageflapjack
HazelnutrouladeHolidaypuddingHotmochapudding
JamandcoconutspongeJamrolypoly
Kentishwellpudding
LatticecherrypieLemoncurdrolypolyLemonlayerpuddingLemonmeringuepieLemonpossetLemonspongeLemonsurprisepuddingLightcloutiedumplingLimemeringuepieLordRandall’spudding
ManchesterpuddingsManchestertartMaple,walnutandbananapuddingMarbledpudding
MillenniumpuddingMincemeatrolypolyMincemeattartMulledwinejelly
Nottinghambatterpudding
OldHookyChristmaspuddingOrangeupside-downpuddingOrientalgingerpuddingOxfordpudding
PassionfruitcharlottePeachMelbaPearandgingercharlottePearandgingerupside-downpuddingPearspoachedinmulledwinePecan,cinnamonandmaplesyruppuddingPineappleupside-downpuddingPlumandalmondpuddingsPlumandcinnamoncobblerPlumduffPoorknightsofWindsorPrinceAlbertpuddingPruneandchocolatepuddingPruneandmuscatpuddings
QueenofpuddingsQuinceamber
RaisingingerpuddingRaspberry,appleandalmondcrumbleRhubarbandorangebrownBetty
RhubarbcrumbleRhubarbhatRhubarbrouladeRhubarbandgingerpuddingsRicepuddingRosemarysyllabub
ScottishflummerySemolinapuddingSevilleorangemarmaladepuddingsSevilleorangemarmaladebreadandbutterpuddingSpicedwinterfruitsaladSpicyapplelayerpuddingSpotteddickSquidgychocolatepuddingsStNick’spuddingsSteamedplumspongeStickypearpuddingStickytoffeepuddingStrawberryjamomeletteSummerpuddingSussexpondpuddingSyrupandapplespongeSyrupsponge
ThreeandthreepuddingToffeeapplepuddingTreacletartTutti-fruttipudding
VerychocolatepuddingVictoria’spudding
WalnutandapplespongepuddingWalnutandtoffeetartWhitechocolateandraspberrytrifle
AbouttheBook
Pleasebeupstanding,ladiesandgentlemen,forthegreatestpuddingsthatthisfairlandhastooffer!
Celebratingthegooiest,yummiest,sweetesttreatsthatmadeBritaingreat,thisnewcookbookletsyouinonthesecretsofthebestdessertsinthecountry.Fromsteamedsponges(chestnutandchocolatepudding)toclassiccrumbles(apple,blackberryandcinnamon),forgottencreationssuchasLordRandall’spuddingandschooldinnerfavouriteslikejamrolypoly,throughchocoholicdelightstoperfectricepuddingandvintageChristmaspudding,thisbookisagenuinepud-lover’sdelight.
With150foolproof,tried-and-testedrecipes,easyinstructionsandcolourphotographs,thisistheessentialpuddingcookbookfromtherealexperts.
AbouttheAuthor
ThePuddingClubwasfoundedattheThreeWaysHouseHotelin1985topreventthedemiseofthegreatBritishPudding,atatimewhenrestaurantsseemedtoofferonlytinyportionsoffrozencheesecakeandtastelessgateaux.TodaythePuddingClubanditssupporterscanclaimthattheireffortshavere-establishedsuchdelightsasjamrolypoly,syrupsponge,spotteddickandbreadandbutterpuddingasfavouritesthroughoutthecountry–andbeyond.
WHATISTHEPUDDINGCLUB?THEPUDDINGCLUBwasstartedintheCotswoldvillageofMickletonin1985byasmallbutdedicatedgroupofpuddinglovers.TheyweredeterminednottoletthetraditionalBritishpuddingstheylovedandcravedbecomeextinctasaresultofquick-cookconveniencefoodsandoverseasinfluences!
Intheautumnof1985thissmallbandofaficionadosjoinedtogetherforaneveningofindulgencewherethestarsincludedsevendeliciouspuddings–childhoodfavouritesliketreaclespongepuddingandjamrolypoly,whichatthattimewerenotwidelyavailable.It’shardtobelievenowbutin1985theywererarities!
ThePuddingClub’sheartfeltmissionforoveraquarterofacenturyhasbeentopreservetheGreatBritishPudding.Indeed,thishasbeenachievedonmanyrestaurantandpubmenus,andinfarmshopsandsupermarketsupanddowntheland.ThefameoftheGreatBritishPuddingisnolongerconfinedtotheseshores:ThePuddingClubhasbeenontouroverseasandhasafollowinginJapan,NorthAmerica,Belgium,theNetherlandsandIreland,amongotherplaces.InternationalvisitorscometoourlittleCotswoldvillagetoexperiencethisslightlyeccentricinstitution,andtobeabletosaythattheyhavetakenpartinaPuddingClubmeetingandevenstayedinapudding-themedbedroomtoo.Whereelsecanyousleepsurroundedbyimagesofsyrupspongeorspotteddickandcustard?
GuestsatPuddingClubmeetingsenjoyawholeevening’sentertainment,fromajovialintroductionbythePuddingMasterthroughtheParadeofSevenPuddings,withallitsnoiseandceremony,tothevoteforbestpuddingofthenight!PuddingClubmeetingshavebeenlikenedtomanythingsbutacoupleofcommentsstayinthememory:‘Likemakingloveinathunderstorm’,a‘medievalbanquetwithcustard’,andithasevenbeendescribedas‘theeighthwonderoftheworld’.VisitorstoaPuddingClubmeetingwillunderstandthattheeveningisaboutindulgence,funandbeingabitnaughtytoboot!Youtoocanjoininthefunandattendameeting(seehere).
SheilaVincentisthequeenofpudsinMickleton,andshe’snowworld-famoustooafterproducingamazingpuddingsandsevengallonsofcustardeveryFridaynightforsomanyyears!Asforthethreeofus,we’repassionateaboutpuddingsandproudtobepassingonourtreasuredrecipestoyou–wehopeyouwilleat,drinkandbemerry!
JILL,PETER&SIMON
JILL,PETER&SIMON
THEGREATBRITISHPUDDINGSteamedorbaked;layeredorrolled;scatteredwithcrumble;servedhotwithcustardorcoldwithcream–theBritishpuddingcomesincountlessshapes,sizesandstyles.Ourtraditionalpuddingshavebecomefamedtheworldover.
ThehistoryoftheBritishpuddingislongandvaried.Manyrecipescanbetracedbackthroughthecenturies,immortalisedinoldcookbooksorpasseddownfromonegenerationtothenext.Formanyofus,aparticularpuddingcanevokechildhoodmemoriesornostalgiaforthegood-olddays.Forothers,theypromisethewarmthandcomfortofhome,ofmealssharedwithlovedones,orlazySundayafternoons.
TheBritishpudiscurrentlyenjoyingamuch-deservedrevivalinpopularity,withcelebritychefsandrestaurantsfeaturingtraditionalpuddingsontheirmenus.Butwhilstsomerecipeshavebeenconstantlyrevivedandreinvented,suchasourcelebratorytriflesandfamouslemonmeringuepie,othershavebeenalmostforgotten,suchastheKentishwellpuddingorappledappy.Thisbookcelebratesthemall,combiningclassics,newtwistsandlesser-knownrecipesrescuedfromthepast.Sowhetheryou’refeedingyourfamilyorentertainingguests,splashingoutorcookingonabudget,youwillfindperfectpuddingsforeveryoccasion.
OURRECIPESThisbookisacollectionofrecipesthathavebeenservedatPuddingClubmeetingsovertheyears.From15th-centuryrecipes,toourcontemporaryMillenniumpudding,theyrepresentatimelineofpuddinghistory.Sinceourpudsarenormallymuchlarger(asweserveupto70people),eachrecipehasbeenadaptedforcookingathomeandthoroughlyupdatedtouseingredientsavailabletoday,butstillretainingwonderfultraditionalelements.Mostnotableissuet,whichthesedayshaslargelydisappearedfromBritishkitchens(asidefromitsuseindumplings),butmanyofourpuddingswouldbeunrecognisablewithoutit.Vegetablesuetisavailableinanysupermarket,whilstfreshbeefsuetcanbeboughtfrommostbutchersandisveryeconomical.Wealsoencourageyoutoseekoutsomeofthelesser-usedseasonalBritishfruits,suchasdamsons,gooseberries,rhubarbandquince–itwasforthesetraditionalfruitsthatmanypuddingsweredevised,andwethinktheydeservetobeenjoyedasoriginallyintended.
COOKINGTIPSBecausemanypuddingrecipesareprepared,assembledandcookedinsimilarways,anumberofinstructionscropupagainandagainintherecipesthroughoutthisbook.Thissectionoutlinessomeofthemostcommonlyusedequipmentandtechniques.
PUDDINGBASINSAbookonBritishpuddingswouldn’tbecompletewithoutthearchetypalsteamedvariety,withitsiconicbasinshape.TheseareamongtheoldestdomesticBritishpuddings–untilthe19thcentury,veryfewkitchenshadovens,sofoodhadtobeboiledorsteamed.Therearetwotypesofsteamedpud:thesponge-basedpudding,madelikeabatterandpouredintoagreasedbasin,andthosethatrequiresuetpastry,whichisusedtolinethebasin,producingacrumblyoutercrustanddenseinterior.
Inthisbookwegenerallyusea1.1litre(2-pint)basin.Veryoccasionallywespecifya1.5-litre(2½-pint),1.7-litre(3-pint)or2.3-litre(4-pint)basin.Someofourrecipesrequireindividual200ml(7floz)basins.Ifyoudon’thavethenecessarysize,feelfreetoimprovisebydividingyouringredientsbetweensmallerbasinsorbymultiplyingtheingredientstofitalargerone,butneverfillthebasinmorethantwo-thirdsfull.(Ifyoudon’thaveapuddingbasin,youcanusearegularbowl,butdomakesureit’sheatproofandheavy-dutyasitwillneedtowithstandseveralhourssubmergedinahotpanofwater.)Rememberthatadjustingthebasinsizewillalsoaffectthecookingtime,socheckthepuddingtodeterminewhetherit’sproperlycooked.
LININGABASINWITHPASTRYDividethesuetpastryintotwothirdsandonethirdandsetthesmallerpieceaside.Greasethepuddingbasinwithbutteranddustyourworksurfacewithflour.Rolloutthelargerpieceofdoughintoaroughcircleandpositionitinside
flour.Rolloutthelargerpieceofdoughintoaroughcircleandpositionitinsidethegreasedbasin,pressingitsnuglyagainsttheedges.Addtheotheringredientstothepuddingasdirectedintherecipe,thenrolloutthesmallerpieceofdough,wettheedges,andplaceontop,pushingdowngentlyattheedgessothatthetwopiecesofpastrysticktoeachother.
Analternativeliningmethodistorolloutthewholepieceofdoughintoacircle,thencutawayaquartertosaveforthelid.Placethelargerpieceinsidethebasin,bringthetwocutedgestogetherandpressthemtojoin.Onceyou’vefilledthepudding,re-rollthereservedpastryintoacirclethatwillfitontopandadherebywettingtheedgeswithwaterandpushingdown,asdescribedabove.
COVERINGABASINBeforesteaming,yourbasinneedstobeproperlysealed,sothatnowatercangetinsideandmakethepuddingsoggy.Nowadays,manypuddingbasinscanbeboughtwithlids.Thesebasinsareoftenplastic.However,ifyou’reusingatraditionalceramicbasinoranyotherbowl,it’sunlikelytohaveitsownlid,soyou’llneedtocoverthebasinwithfoiland/orgreaseproofpaper.Ideally,usetwolayers:oneofgreaseproofandoneoffoil.(However,don’tworryifyouonlyhaveoneortheother;simplyuseadoublelayerofwhateverisavailable.)Cutalargesquareofeachandlayoneontopoftheother.Withthetwoheldtogether,foldapleatdownthecentretoallowspaceforthepuddingtorise.
Putthecoveringoverthebasin,positioningthegreaseproofnearesttothepudding,thefoiloutermostandthepleatacrossthecentre,andfoldtheedgesdownaroundthebasin.Securewithstring,tiedjustundertherimofthebasin,tomakethecoverwatertight.Alsotiealoopofstringthatyoucanuseasahandletolowerthebasininandoutofthepan.Trimoffanyexcessfoil/greaseproof.
STEAMINGAPUDDINGThemostbasicwaytosteamapuddingisoverapanofsimmeringwater.Ifyouhaveasteamerpanwithtiersthatstackontopofeachother,thisisideal.Otherwise,usealarge,deepsaucepanwithalid.Thepuddingbasinmustn’tdirectlytouchthebottomofthepanoritwillburn,soyou’llneedtoraiseitonatrivet–youcanuseanupturnedsaucer,ramekinorscrunched-updiscoffoilfor
trivet–youcanuseanupturnedsaucer,ramekinorscrunched-updiscoffoilforthis.
Pourenoughwaterintothepansothatitwillreachjustoverhalfwayupthesidesofthebasin,thenlowerthebasinontothetrivetandcoverthepanwithatight-fittinglid.Bringthewatertoasteadysimmerandsteamthepuddingfortheallottedtime.Trytokeepthewaterataroundthesamelevelthroughout–checkregularlyandtopupwithboilingwaterfromthekettleifitlookslow(neveraddcoldwater).Don’tbetemptedtounwrapthepuddinguntilit’snearingtheendofitscookingtimeoritmaysink.
Whenready,usethestringhandletoraisethebasinoutofthepan.Cutthestringandunwrapthepudding.Whencooked,thepuddingshouldbefirmtothetouchandaskewerinsertedintothecentreshouldcomeoutcleanly.Ifit’snotready,you’llneedtore-coverthepuddingandsteamforalittlelonger.
It’salsopossibletosteampuddingsinanelectricsteamerandeveninapressurecooker.Someovensnowcomewithasteamerfunction.Alwaysrefertothemanufacturer’sinstructionsforadviceandbepreparedthatthecookingtimemayvaryfromwhat’sstatedintherecipe–besuretocheckthepuddingwithaskewerasdescribedabove.
Toremoveapuddingfromitsbasinoncecooked,runasharpknifearoundtheedges,placeaservingplateupsidedownontopofthebasinandinvertthepuddingontotheplate.
BASICSHORTCRUSTPASTRYShortcrustpastryformsthebaseofsomanydelicioustartsandpies.It’sbesthandledaslittleaspossible,somakingitinafoodprocessorispreferable,thoughinstructionsarealsogivenformakingbyhand.Ensurethepastryisrolledoutthinly,andthesequantitieswillfitthetinsspecified,withasmallamountleftoverthatyoucanuseformakingdecorations,orstoreinthefridgeorfreezerforanotheruse.
Ifyoupreferasweeterpastry,thesaltcanbereplacedwithapinchofsugar,butbearinmindthatthismakesthepastrycrumblierandtrickiertoworkwith.Youcanalsoadaptthepastrybyaddinggratedlemonororangezest,apinchofcocoapowderorevenseedsfromavanillapod.Alwaysbesparing,tokeeptheflavourssubtle.
Linesa20–22cm(8–9in)tarttin(makes225g/8oz)
130g(4½oz)plainflourPinchofsalt65g(2½oz)unsaltedbutter,chilledIcedwater
Linesa30cm(12in)tarttin(makes375g/13oz)210g(7½oz)plainflourPinchofsalt110g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,chilledIcedwater
SIFTTHEFLOURANDSALTintoafoodprocessor(orseebelowformakingbyhand).Cutthecoldbutterintosmallpiecesanddropinontop.Processfor20–30seconds,thenaddice-coldwater,atablespoonatatime,withthemachinestillrunning.Youshouldneed2–3spoonfuls.
IFTHEMIXTUREISSTILLcrumblyafteraminuteortwo,addanothertablespoonofwater,butbearinmindthatthemorewateryouadd,themorethepastrywillshrinkwhenblindbaked(addingcreamoreggyolkinsteadofwaterisasolutiontothis).Oncethepastryhascometogetherintoaball,stoptheprocessor,removethedoughandwrapinclingfilm.Leaveinthefridgeforatleast30minutesbeforerollingout.
TOMAKETHEPASTRYbyhand,sifttheflourandsaltintoalargebowlthenaddthechoppedbutterandworkasquicklyasyoucantorubthefatintotheflourwithyourfingertips.Addwaterasabove,thenwrapinclingfilmandchillinthefridgefor30minutes.
DUSTYOURWORKSURFACE,rollingpinandhandswithflour,thenstartrolling–alwaysawayfromyou,turningthepastryasyougo.Keeptherollingpinandworksurfaceflouredtopreventsticking.Oncerolledout,sliptherollingpinunderthetopthirdofthepastryandpickitupandlayoveryourgreasedtinordish.Neverstretchitasitwilljustshrinkback.Trytochilltheunbakedpastrycaseinthefridgeforatleast30minutesbeforeuse.Dependingonthepuddingrecipeyouarefollowing,youmayneedtoblindbakethepastrycase(seehere)
beforefillingit.
LININGATARTTINWhetheryou’vemadethepastryfromscratchorareusingstore-bought,itshouldbechilledbeforeyoubegin.Dustacleanworksurfacewithflourandgentlyrolloutthechilledpastry,rollingawayfromyourselfandturningthepastryatintervalstokeepitroughlycircular.Rolluntilthepastryislargerthanthediameterofthetarttinandaround5mm(¼in)inthickness.Tocheckitislargeenough,placethetarttingentlyontopandensurethereisenoughexcessallthewayaroundtosufficientlylinethesides.
Thoroughlygreasethetin(ifit’sfluted,apastrybrushcanbehelpfulforgreasingintothecreases).Placeyourrollingpinontopoftherolled-outpastryandlooselyrollituparoundthepin.Liftthepinup,positionitabovethetinandunrollthepastryintoplace.Ensureitiscentral,withthesameamountofexcessallthewayround.
Gentlyeasethepastryintothebaseandsidesofthetin,beingcarefulnottotearordentitwithyourfingertips.Trimanyexcessfromtheedgeswithasharpknife,allowingalittlebitofextratoaccountforanyshrinking.Prickthebaseofthepastrywithaforkandchillthepastrycaseinthefridgeforupto30minutes–thishelpstoreduceshrinkage.Oncechilled,eitherblindbake(seehere)orfillimmediately,dependingonthepuddingrecipeyouarefollowing.
BLINDBAKING‘Blindbaking’istheprocessofbakinganemptytartorpiecasebeforeitisfilled.Itensuresthatthebaseofthepastryiscrispandcookedthroughandisn’tmadesoggybytheadditionofthefilling.Asdirectedabove,thecaseshouldbeprickedwithaforkandchilledforupto30minutesbeforeblindbaking.
Preheattheovento190°C(400°F),GasMark5.Cutacircleofgreaseproofpaperorbakingparchmentandplaceitinsidethepastrycase.Fillwithbakingbeans(youcanuseuncookedriceorlentilsasanalternative),spreadingthemouttoevenlycoverthebase.Bakeintheovenforabout15minutesuntiltheedgesarelightlybrowned.Removethebakingbeansandpaperandputbackintheovenfor10minutesuntilthebaseiscooked.Allowtocoolandthenfillthecaseasrequired.
CHAMPIONPUDDINGS
CHAPTER1
AtPuddingClubmeetings,weserveupsevendifferentpuddings.Onceguestshavebeengiventheopportunitytotrythemall(andevencomebackforseconds!),theyareaskedtovotefortheirfavourite.
Thepuddingwiththemostvotesiscrownedthechampion.
Thesevenpuddingsinthischapteraretheonesthathavebeenvotedchampiononthemostoccasions.Anirresistibleline-upofBritish
classics,theydemonstratehowwonderfullyvariedoursweetfarecanbe.Fromindulgentstickytoffeetorefreshingsummerpudding,thereissomethinghereforeveryone,whetheryoupreferyourpudhotorcold;steamedorbaked;spongyorcrisp;creamy,syrupyorfruity…
ChampionPuddings
BreadandbutterpuddingGingersyruppuddingStickytoffeepuddingSyrupspongeRhubarbcrumbleSummerpuddingPassionfruitcharlotte
BreadandbutterpuddingCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
120g(4oz)sultanas1tbspbrandy(optional)120–180g(4–6½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing12slicesofwhitebread,crustsremovedFinelygratedzestandjuiceof1orange
3eggs600ml(1pint)milk90g(3oz)castersugarGroundcinnamonornutmeg,tosprinkleCustard,toserve(optional)
IFYOUWANTTOSOAKthesultanasinbrandy,putthemtogetherinabowlandleavetosoakforupto30minutes.Greasea1.1-litre(2-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.
BUTTERTHEBREADSLICESononeside.Linethebottomandsidesofthegreaseddishwithsomeofthebread,butter-sideup,andsprinklewithhalftheorangejuiceandgratedzest.Addhalfthesultanas,followedbyanotherlayerofbread,thentheremainingsultanas,juiceandzest.Finishwiththeremainingbread.
BEATTHEEGGSWELL,mixwiththemilkandsugar,andpourthismixtureoverthepudding.Sprinklewithcinnamonornutmegandleavetosoakfor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento200°C(400°F),GasMark6andbakethepuddingfor30minutesoruntilset.Servehot,onitsownorwithcustard.
Theearliestknownrecipeforthismuch-lovedpuddingdatesfrom1723.Squidgyunderneathandcrispontop,theeternalquestioniswhattoservewithit:someswearbycustard,othersprefercream,whilstmanyfirmlybelievethatit’smoist
enoughtoneednosauceatall.
GingersyruppuddingCOOKINGTIME2HOURS
SERVES6
200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)softlightbrownsugar
4eggs,beaten200g(7oz)self-raisingflour1½tbspgroundginger40g(1½oz)choppedstemginger,plussyrupfromthejar150g(5oz)goldensyrupCustard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallyaddthebeateneggstothecreamedmixture,stirringaftereachaddition–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.
SIFTTHEREMAININGFLOURintoaseparatebowltogetherwiththegroundginger,thengraduallyfoldthemintothecreamedmixture,alongwithasmallamountofsyrupfromthestemgingerjar.Mixwelltoincorporate.
POURTHEGOLDENSYRUPintothebottomofthegreasedbasinandaddthechoppedstemginger.Spoonthespongemixtureontop.Sealthebasinwithalidorfoilandsteamforapproximately2hours,untilthepuddingisfirmtothetouch.Turnoutontoaservingplateandservewithcustard.
Apuddingofcontrasts,thisfeelsasBritishastheycome,butit’seasytoforgetthatgingerwasoriginallyimportedfromAsia.Thespongehasallthesweetnessofchildhoodfare,butwithagrown-uptangfromthecombinationofstem
ginger,groundgingerandgingersyrup.
StickytoffeepuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
100g(3½oz)choppeddates1tspvanillaessence
1tspbicarbonateofsoda60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing170g(6oz)softlightbrownsugar
1egg225g(8oz)plainflour1tspbakingpowderCustard,toserveForthetoffeesauce4½tbspdoublecream15g(½oz)unsaltedbutter60g(2oz)softdarkbrownsugar
LIGHTLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Putthetoffeesauceingredientsinasaucepanandmelttogetheroveralowheat,thenpourintothegreasedbasinandsetaside.
MIXTHECHOPPEDDATES,vanillaessenceandbicarbonateofsodawith550ml(19floz)water.Inaseparatelargebowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thengraduallybeatintheegg.
SIFTTHEFLOURANDBAKINGPOWDERtogether,thenaddtothecreamedmixtureinsmallamounts,alternatingwithadditionsofthedatemixture,stirringeachtimetocombine.
POURTHEMIXTUREoverthetoffeesauceinthepuddingbasin,coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Notasoldasyoumightthink,thismodernclassichasonlybeenincirculationsincethe1970s.Evenso,itsoriginsarelostalready,withchefsintheLakeDistrict,Lancashire,AberdeenandthesouthofEnglandallclaimingtohaveinventedit.(Thisinitselfshowstheloveforstickytoffeepudupanddownournation!).ItwasGaryRhodes’sfavouritewhenhevisitedThePuddingClub,and
wasrecentlyrevealedasKateMiddleton’sall-timetoppudding.
SyrupspongeCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
200g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(4oz)castersugar200g(4oz)self-raisingflour,sifted3eggs,beatenwith1tspvanillaessence
3tbspgoldensyrupCustard,toserve
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Stirinthesiftedflouralittleatatime,alternatingwithadditionsofthebeateneggsandvanilla,andbeatingthemixturewellaftereachaddition.
PUTTHEGOLDENSYRUPinthebaseofthegreasedbasinandpourthespongemixturecarefullyoverthetop.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Thispuddingisknowntomanyastreaclesponge,despitethefactthatitcontainsnotreacle!Whatdoyoucallit…?WecallitPrideofThePudding
Club!
RhubarbcrumbleCOOKINGTIME35–45MINUTES
SERVES6–8
245g(8½oz)self-raisingflour165g(5½oz)demerarasugar60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,cutintopieces60g(2oz)margarine
1tspvanillaessence700g(1½lb)freshrhubarb,washedandcutinto3cm(1in)pieces2–3tspcastersugar
Custardorcream,toserveSIFTTHEFLOURINTOALARGEBOWL,addthedemerarasugarandmixwell.Addthebutter,margarineandvanillaessenceandmixtoafinecrumbconsistencywithyourfingertips.Placeinthefridgetochill.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6.Mixtherhubarbandcastersugartogetherandplaceinthebaseofadeep,oval,ovenproofbakingdish,approx.30×20cm(12×8in).
COVERTHERHUBARBwiththechilledcrumbletoppingandfirmdownthetopalittle.Cookintheovenfor35–45minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Servewithcustardorcream.
Whatcouldbemoreclassicandcomfortingthanawarmfruitcrumble?OurchampionversionmakesuseofbeautifulBritishrhubarb.TheforcedvarietyisfamouslygrownintheYorkshiretriangle,anine-square-mileareainthenorthofEngland,whereitiscultivatedindarkshedsandharvestedbycandlelight
earlyintheyear,whilsttheflavourfuloutdoorrhubarbcomesintoseasoninlatespring.
Summerpudding
SETTINGTIMEONLYSERVES4–6
720g(1lb9oz)mixedsoftsummerfruits,suchasraspberries,strawberries,red-andblackcurrants1tbspcrèmedecassis
Castersugar,totasteButter,forgreasing6–8thickslicesofday-oldwhitebread,crustsremovedPouringorwhippedcream,toservePUTTHEMIXEDFRUITSinasaucepanwiththecrèmedecassis,asprinklingofsugarandaverysmallamountofwater.Simmergentlyfor3–4minutestodissolvethesugaranduntilthefruitissoftbutstillholdingitsshape,thenremovefromtheheat.
LIGHTLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasinandcompletelylinewithmostofthebread,cuttingittofit.Pourinthefruitandcoverwiththeremainingbreadtosealthepudding.
PLACEASMALLPLATEontopofthebreadandstandaheavyweightonitsothatthepuddingispresseddown.Thiswillensurethejuiceisabsorbed,turningthebreadawonderful,richcolour.Allowtosetinthefridgeforaminimumof8hoursorovernight.Turnoutcarefullyandservewithcream.
Aclassicsummerdelight.ThisfruitypuddingissaidtohavestartedlifeinVictorianspasandnursinghomes,whereitwasservedtopatientsasan
alternativetoheavypastryorsuettreats.Ittastesdifferenteverytime,asthecombinationoffruitsdependsontheseasonandtheproportionsused.
WHYNOTTRY…?Crèmedemûre(blackberryliqueur)makesanicealternativetocassis.
PassionfruitcharlotteSETTINGTIMEONLY
SERVES4–6
2Swissrolls(store-boughtorseehere),thinlysliced12ripepassionfruit
3gelatineleaves375g(13oz)doublecreamExtracream,toserve(optional)
LINEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasinorsoufflédishwithclingfilm.UsetheslicesofSwissrolltolinethesidesandbottomofthedish.
HALVE10OFTHEPASSIONFRUIT,scrapeoutthefleshintoablenderandblitztoapurée.Pushthroughasievetoremovetheblackpips.
SOAKTHEGELATINEinasmallbowlofcoldwateruntilsoft.Meanwhile,whipthecreaminalargebowluntilitformssoftpeaks.Removethesoftenedgelatinefromthewaterandcarefullystiritintothewhippedcream,alongwiththepassionfruitpurée.
HALVETHETWOREMAININGPASSIONFRUITandscrapeoutthefleshintothemixture.Stirgentlyuntileverythingisincorporated.Pourthemixtureintothesponge-lineddishandleaveinthefridgetosetfor2hoursorovernight.CarefullyturnouttheCharlotteontoaplateandremovetheclingfilm.Serveonitsownorwithalittlecream.
ThisisourmostpopularcoldpuddingatThePuddingClub.Thezinginessofpassionfruitcutsperfectlythroughtherichcream,makingthispuddingasurprisingdelight.UncookedcharlotteslikethisarerelatedtoElizabethan
trifles,althoughthisversionisanewertwist,aspassionfruitswereintroducedtotheUKinthe19thcentury.
SCHOOL-DINNERPUDDINGS
CHAPTER2
AftertheSecondWorldWar,itwasmadecompulsoryforBritishschoolstoservecookedmealstotheirpupils,andthiswouldnormally
includeapudding.Certainpudswerefavouredbydinnerladiesbecausetheywerelow-costandeasytocookinlargequantitiesforcrowdsofhungryschoolchildren,andsotreatssuchasjamrolypoly,ricepuddingandtreacletartbecamearegularfeatureofschooldinnerhallsupanddownthecountry.Manyoftherecipesinthischapterwillberememberedfondlybythosewhodevouredthemaskids.Theywillfillyouwithwarmthandnostalgiaforchildhoodanddaysgoneby.
School-DinnerPuddings
RicepuddingSemolinapuddingSpotteddickBreadpuddingCustardtartBakedcustardBakedapplespongeEve’spuddingAppleandcustardApplesnowQueenofpuddingsJamrolypolyDamsoncobblerJamandcoconutspongeBananafrittersManchestertartPineappleupside-downpuddingTreacletart
RicepuddingCOOKINGTIME3HOURS
SERVES4
65g(2½oz)roundpuddingrice1.2litres(2pints)creamyfull-fatmilk25g(1oz)unsaltedbutter,cutintosmallpieces50g(2oz)castersugarPinchofgroundnutmegJam,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO140°C(275°F),GasMark1.Putthericeintoashallowpiedish,pouroverhalfthemilkandstirinthebutterandsugar.Bakefor1hour.
STIRINTHEREMAININGMILKandcontinuetocookforanotherhour.Stiragain,sprinklewithnutmegandcookforafurtherhour.Servewithaspoonfulofjam.
SemolinapuddingCOOKINGTIME45–50MINUTES
SERVES4
750ml(1pint6floz)milk100g(3½oz)semolina½tspgroundcinnamon,plusextraforsprinkling30g(1oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing100g(3½oz)castersugar
2eggyolksJamorhoney,toserve(optional)
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andthoroughlygreaseashallow,ovenproofbakingdish.Pourthemilkintoasaucepanandheatuntilhotbutnotboiling.
REMOVETHEPANFROMTHEHEATandslowlyaddthesemolina,whiskingallthetimewithaballoonwhisktoavoidlumps.Returnthepantotheheatandbringslowlytotheboil,stirringconstantlysothatthemixtureremainssmooth.
REMOVEFROMTHEHEAT,stirinthecinnamon,butter,sugarandeggyolksandmixwell.Pourintothegreaseddishandsprinklewithalittlemoregroundcinnamon.Bakeintheovenfor35–40minutes.Servethepuddingonitsownorwithagenerousspoonfulofjamorhoney.
SpotteddickCOOKINGTIME2HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing240g(8½oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt120g(4oz)vegetablesuet30g(1oz)castersugar240g(8½oz)currantsorraisins,soakedinbrandy,thendrainedCustard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttogethertheflourandsaltintoamixingbowl,thenaddthesuet,sugaranddraineddriedfruit.Mixwithupto150ml(5floz)coldwater–enoughtobringtheingredientstogetherintoafirmdough.
PUSHTHEDOUGHintothegreasedbasinandcoversecurelywithalidorfoil.Steamthepuddingfor2hours,thenturnoutontoahotplateandservewithcustard.
WHYNOTTRY…?Ifyouwanttomakethispuddinginthetraditionalshapeinsteadofusingabasin,formthemixtureintoacylinderabout20cm(8in)long,androllina
puddingcloth,beforesteamingfor2hours.
We’reaskedaboutthenameofthispuddingmorethananyother.Whilethespotsareself-explanatory,theword‘dick’isthoughttoderivefrom‘dough’or‘duff’(asstillusedinplumduff).It’salsosometimesknownasspotteddog,and
hasevenbeenreferredtoasablemishedRichard!
BreadpuddingCOOKINGTIME2HOURS
SERVES6–8
8medium-thicknessslicesofbread(from1largeloaf)300ml(11floz)milk300g(11oz)mixeddriedfruit50g(2oz)choppedmixedpeel1eatingapple2tbspdarkorangemarmalade
3tbspsoftdarkbrownsugar40g(1½oz)self-raisingflour2eggs,beatenSqueezeoflemonjuice
1tspgroundcinnamon100g(3½oz)unsaltedbutter,meltedEggcustard(seehere)oricingsugar,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO160°C(325°F),GasMark3andgreasea28×20cm(11×8in)roastingtin.Breakupthebread,includingthecrusts,andsoakinthemilkuntilsoft.
BEATTHESOAKEDBREADWELLwithaforksothatitbecomesasoft,creamymixture.Transfertoalargebowlandaddthedriedfruitandmixedpeel.Grateintheunpeeledappleandstirinthemarmalade,sugar,flour,eggs,lemonjuiceandcinnamon.
POURHALFOFTHEMELTEDBUTTERintothemixture,beatwellandpourintothegreasedtin.Pourtheremainingbutterinathinstreamontothesurface.Bakefor1½hours(checkregularlyandcoverwithfoilorgreaseproofpaperifbrowningtooquickly).Thenturnuptheoventemperatureto180°C(350°F),GasMark4andbakeforanother30minutes.
SERVEHOT,cutintosquares,witheggcustard.Alternatively,allowtocool,then
sprinklethicklywithicingsugarandslicetoeatcoldasacake.
CustardtartCOOKINGTIME50MINUTES
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing225g(8oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere)300ml(11floz)singlecreamorcreamyfull-fatmilk
2eggs,plus1eggyolk25g(1oz)castersugarGroundnutmeg,tosprinkleCreamandfreshraspberriesorseasonalfruit,toserveGREASEALOOSE-BOTTOMED20CM(8in)tarttinandlinewiththepastry(seehere).Chillfor30minutesinthefridge,thenpreheattheovento190°C(400°F),GasMark5andblindbakethepastrycasefor25minutes(seehere).Removefromtheovenandturndownthetemperatureto170°C(325°F),GasMark3.
MEANWHILE,PUTTHECREAMormilkintoasaucepanandbringtotheboil.Beattheeggs,eggyolkandsugartogetherinabowlandthengraduallywhiskintheheatedcreamormilk.
STRAININTOTHECOOKEDPASTRYCASEandsprinklewithnutmeg.Bakeintheovenfor35minutesuntilthecustardisset.Thetartwillbecomefirmerasitbecomescoldbutisbesteatenstillslightlywarm.Servewithcreamandfreshraspberriesoryourchoiceoffreshfruit.
Britainhasalonghistoryofcustardsandcreams,datingbacktomedievaltimes.Theywereoftenservedalone,bakedinindividualcupsandsometimesflavouredwithfruitpurées.Custardalsodevelopedintoafillingforpiesandtarts,ashere,andeventuallyintotheclassicsauceforaccompanyingother
desserts.
BakedcustardCOOKINGTIME1HOUR
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing600ml(1pint)singlecream1vanillapod,splitinhalf
3eggs50g(2oz)castersugarPinchofgroundnutmeg
PREHEATTHEOVENTO170°C(325°F),GasMark3.Lightlygreaseanovenproofbakingdishorstraight-sidedsoufflédish,900ml–1.1litres(1½–2pints)capacity.Putthecreamandsplitvanillapodinasaucepanandheatuntiljustatboilingpoint,thenremovefromtheheat.
INALARGEBOWL,beattheeggslightlywiththesugar.Removethevanillapodfromthesaucepanandpourthecreamontothebeateneggs,whiskingthoroughly.Strainintothegreaseddishandsprinklewiththenutmeg.
SITTHEBAKINGDISHinaroastingtinandpourboilingwaterintothetin,uptothelevelofthemixtureinsidethedish.Bakeintheovenfor1hour.Servehotorcold.
VariationsBakedcoffeecustardOmitthevanillapodandinsteadflavourthecreamwith2tablespoonsofcoffeeessenceorstrongblackcoffee.Alsoomitthenutmeg.
BakedchocolatecustardAdd50g(2oz)choppeddarkchocolatetothecreamandvanillapodbeforeheating.Stirwhileheating,toensureitmeltsandbecomesincorporated.Omitthenutmeg.
BakedapplespongeCOOKINGTIME35MINUTES
SERVES4–6
200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)demerarasugar
3eggs,beaten200g(7oz)self-raisingflour,sifted
2mediumcookingapples,peeled,coredandchopped
Custardorcream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5andgreasea1.1-litre(2-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallymixinthebeateneggs,alongwithalittleoftheflour,thenfoldintheremainingflourandthechoppedapple.
SPOONINTOTHEGREASEDDISHandbakefor15minutes,thenreducetheheatto180°C(350°F),GasMark4andcontinuetobakeforanother20minutes.Servehotwithcustardorcream.
Eve’spuddingCOOKINGTIME40MINUTES
SERVES4–6
450g(1lb)cookingapples,peeled,coredandchoppedcoarsely75g(3oz)softlightbrownsugar100g(3½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing100g(3½oz)castersugar,plusextraforsprinkling
2eggs100g(3½oz)self-raisingflour,siftedGratedzestof1unwaxedlemon¼tspvanillaessence
Creamorcustard,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreasea1.5-litre(2½-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.Puttheapplesintothebakingdishandsprinklewiththebrownsugar;mixtogetherlightly.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandcastersugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenworkintheeggs,siftedflour,lemonzestandvanillaessenceandmixtoasoftbatter.Spreadthisovertheapplesinthedishandbakefor40minutes.Removefromtheovenandsprinklethesurfacewithcastersugar.Serveimmediatelywithcreamorcustard.
AppleandcustardCOOKINGTIME40–45MINUTES
SERVES6
1kg(2lb2oz)Bramleyapples,peeled,coredandsliced
3tbsphoneyFinelygratedzestof1unwaxedlemonFortheeggcustard600ml(1pint)milk6eggs,separated
75g(3oz)castersugarPLACETHEAPPLES,honeyandlemonzestintoaheavy-basedsaucepanandcookoveralowheatuntiltheapplesarejusttender.Removefromtheheatandpuréetheapplemixturewithahandblender,thenpourintoa2.3-litre(4-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.
TOMAKETHEEGGCUSTARD,warmthemilkinasaucepan.Beattogethertheeggyolksand50g(2oz)ofthesugarinaheatproofbowl,thenpourinthewarmedmilk,stirringwell.Placethebowloverasaucepanofsimmeringwater,beingcarefulnottoletthebowlactuallytouchthewater.Stiruntilthecustardhasthickened;thiswilltakearound10minutes.Pourthecustardovertheapplepuréeinthebakingdish.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO150°C(300°F),GasMark2.Inascrupulouslycleanbowl,whisktheeggwhitesuntilstiff,thenfoldintheremaining25g(1oz)ofsugarwithametalspoon.Pilethemeringueoverthecustard,spreadingitrighttotheedgesofthedish.Bakeintheovenfor30minutes,untilthemeringueisgoldenbrown.
ApplesnowCOOKINGTIME10MINUTES
SERVES4
450g(1lb)cookingapples(preferablyBramley),peeled,coredandsliced75g(3oz)castersugar
Gratedzestandjuiceof1unwaxedlemon
2eggwhitesSmall,sweetbiscuits,toserve
PUTTHESLICEDAPPLES,sugar,lemonzestandjuiceintoasaucepan.Simmeroveralowheat,stirringoften,untiltheappleshavebecomeasoft,thickpuréeandthereisnosurplusliquidleftinthepan.Pushtheapplemixturethoughafinesieveorprocesswithahandblenderuntillightandfluffy.
INASCRUPULOUSLYCLEANBOWL,whisktheeggwhitesuntiltheyformsoftpeaks,thenfoldintheapplepuréewithametalspoon.Spoonintoglassesandchill.Servewithsmall,sweetbiscuits.
AfavouriteinElizabethankitchens,cookswouldoftenstickasprigofrosemaryinthetopofthispuddingtoresembleasnow-coveredtree.Bramleyapplesareideal,oruseasimilarvarietythathasatartflavourandbecomeslightandfluffy
whencooked.
QueenofpuddingsCOOKINGTIME30–40MINUTES
SERVES4–6
180g(6½oz)breadcrumbsFinelygratedzestof1unwaxedlemon150g(5oz)castersugar600ml(1pint)milk
60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing½tspvanillaessence
4eggs,separated100g(3½oz)strawberryorraspberryjam
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreasea1.1-litre(2-pint)piedish.Putthebreadcrumbs,lemonzestand30g(1oz)ofthesugarintoamixingbowl.
COMBINETHEMILK,butterandvanillaessenceinasaucepanandwarmgentlyuntilthebutterhasmelted,thenpouroverthebreadcrumbmix.Leavethemixturetostandfor10minutesthenbeatintheeggyolks.Pourthemixtureintothegreasedpiedishandbakefor20–30minutesuntilwellset.Leavetheoventurnedon.
WARMTHEJAMinasmallsaucepanoveralowheat,thenspreaditgenerouslyoverthepudding.Inascrupulouslycleanbowl,whisktheeggwhitesuntilstiff.Foldintheremaining120g(4oz)ofsugarwithametalspoon.Spreadthemeringueoverthepuddingandplacebackintheovenforabout10minutesuntilthemeringueiscrispandlightlybrown.
ThroughouttheagesinBritain,breadwasalwaysconsideredavaluablecommoditythatshouldnevergotowaste,sothispuddingstartedlifeasawaytouseuppreciousbreadcrumbs.Andthename?Whilethe‘crown’ofmeringueiscertainlyveryregal,it’salsosaidthatQueenVictoriawasknowntoenjoyahelpingortwo.HereatThePuddingClub,wehaveourveryownqueenofpuddings–SheilaVincent–whohasbeenmakingalloursweetstufffor16
years.
JamrolypolyCOOKINGTIME1–1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
180g(6½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt90g(3oz)vegetablesuetMilk,tomix450g(1lb)raspberryjam
1tbspcastersugarCustard,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoalargebowl,thenaddthesuetandmixwithenoughmilktomakeadough.
ONAFLOUREDSURFACE,rolloutthedoughtoabout25cm(10in)squareandspreadwiththejam.DampentheedgesofthedoughwithwaterandrolluplikeaSwissroll.
PLACEINAROASTINGTINandputintheoven,withonesideofthetinraisedsothatthepuddingrollstooneend.Thiswillpreventtherolypolyfromunravelling.Bakefor1hour.(Alternatively,wrapthepuddinginfoiltoholditsshapeandcoverinclingfilmtomakeitwatertight.Steamfor1½hours,thencarefullyremovetheclingfilmandfoil.)Sprinklethepuddingwithcastersugarandservewithcustard.
HugelypopularinVictorianBritain,thisfamouspuddingevenfeaturesinthewritingofCharlesDickens(inBleakHouse)andBeatrixPotter(inherTaleofSamuelWhiskers).Traditionally,therolypolywouldhavebeenboiledinapuddingcloth;buttheskillofwrappingapuddinglikethisisnowalmostforgotten.AtPuddingClubmeetings,onlyspotteddickgetsabiggercheer.
JamandcoconutspongeCOOKINGTIME1½–2HOURS
SERVES4–6
3tbspblackcurrantjam200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)castersugar200g(7oz)self-raisingflozur,sifted60g(2oz)desiccatedcoconut3eggs,beaten
Custard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Putthejaminthebottomofthebasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.
ADDTHESIFTEDFLOURtothecreamedmixturealittleatatime,alongwithgradualadditionsofthedesiccatedcoconutandbeatenegg,mixingwelleachtime.Pourthespongemixturecarefullyoverthejaminthebasin.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½–2hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Anyred-fruitjamisgood,butusethebest-qualityyoucanfind–home-madeisbest.
BananafrittersCOOKINGTIME5MINUTES
SERVES6
200g(7oz)self-raisingflour
1tbspbakingpowder30g(1oz)goldencastersugar,plusextrafordusting1egg,beaten300ml(11floz)milkGratedzestof1unwaxedlemon½tspgroundnutmeg
6bananasVegetableorsunfloweroil,fordeep-fryingIcecream,toserve
TOPREPARETHEBATTER,combinetheflour,bakingpowderandsugarinamixingbowl.Graduallyaddtheeggandmilkandwhisktoformasmoothbatter.Setasidetorestforupto1hour,thenmixthelemonzestandnutmegintotherestedbatter.
PEELTHEBANANASandcuttheminhalf.Inadeep,heavy-basedsaucepan,heatenoughoiltosubmergethebananahalves.Tochecktheoilisattherighttemperature,dropinasmallpieceofbreadtoseewhetheritsizzlesandbrowns.Whentheoilishotenough,dipthebananapiecesintothebatteranddeep-fryuntilgolden.Removewithaslottedspoonanddrainbrieflyonkitchenpaper.Dustthefritterswithalittlecastersugarandservewithicecream.
ManchestertartCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
225g(8oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere),chilled3tbspgood-qualityraspberryjam3tbspdesiccatedorflakedcoconut2tbspcustardpowder
2tbspcastersugar600ml(1pint)milkCream,toserve
ROLLOUTTHECHILLEDPASTRYonaflouredsurfaceuntil5mm(¼in)thick,thenuseittolinea20cm(8in)tartdish(seehere).Refrigeratethelineddishfor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento190°C(400°F),GasMark5andblindbakefor25minutes(seehere).Removefromtheovenandsettoasidetocool.
WHENCOOL,spreadthepastrycasewiththejamandsprinklewithhalfthecoconut.Inamediumbowl,mixthecustardpowderandsugarwithalittlecoldmilktoformapaste.Heattheremainingmilkgentlyinasaucepan,pourontothecustardpasteandwhisktocombine,thenreturnthemixturetothesaucepanandbringtotheboiltothicken.
POURTHECUSTARDoverthejaminthepastrycase,sprinklewiththeremainingcoconutandleavetosetinthefridge.Servecold,withalittlecream.
Manywillrememberthispuddingfondly,asafeatureofschool-dinnermenusfromthe1950sonwards.Withitspastrybase,hiddenlayerofjam,creamy
custardandgenerouscoconuttopping,it’sconsideredasimpler,moremodernvariationonthetraditionalManchesterpudding(seehere).
Pineappleupside-downpuddingCOOKINGTIME50–60MINUTES
SERVES4–6
2heapedtbspgoldensyrup1×400gtinofpineapplerings,drained4glacécherries,halved120g(4oz)castersugar120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing2largeeggs,beaten
120g(4oz)self-raisingflour,sifted
1tspbakingpowderCream,icecreamorcustard,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO170°C(325°F),GasMark3.Greasea20cm(8in)sandwichtinandlinethebasewithnon-stickbakingparchment.Spreadthegoldensyrupacrossthebaseofthetinandarrangethepineappleringsandcherriesontop.
PLACETHESUGAR,BUTTER,EGGS,flourandbakingpowderinamixingbowlandbeattogetherwithanelectrichandmixeruntilsmoothandpaleincolour.Spreadthemixtureevenlyoverthepineappleringsinthetin.
BAKEINTHEOVENFOR50–60minutesuntilthespongeisgoldenandjustshrinkingawayfromthesidesofthetin.Invertontoaplateandservehotorcold,withcream,icecreamorcustard.
TreacletartCOOKINGTIME30–40MINUTES
SERVES4–6
225g(8oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere),chilled180ml(6floz)goldensyrup60g(2oz)breadcrumbsFinelygratedzestandjuiceof1unwaxedlemonororange
1egg,beatenVanillaicecream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Rolloutthreequartersofthepastryontheflouredsurfaceanduseittolinea20cm(8in)piedish(seehere).Reservetherestofthepastrytousefordecoration.
WARMTHEGOLDENSYRUPgentlyinasaucepanorthemicrowave,mixwiththebreadcrumbsandspreadintheuncookedpastrycase.Pouroverthelemonororangejuiceandsprinklewiththezest.
ROLLOUTTHEREMAININGPASTRYandcutintostrips1cm(½in)wide.Arrangethemoverthefillinginacriss-crosspatterntomakeaprettylatticetop.Brushwithbeateneggandbakeintheovenfor30–40minutes.Servewithvanillaicecream.
FAMILYFAVOURITES
CHAPTER3
Everyoneenjoyssomethingsweetattheendofamealandthischapterisfullofsatisfyingpuddingsthatareboundtopleasethe
wholefamily.Whetheryouwantaquickmidweekpuddingoraneasyweekendtreat,thesesimplebutdeliciousoptionsareidealforwhentimeandingredientsarelimited.Ourtoffeeapplepuddingwillbeabighitwiththekids,BakewelltartisboundtoimpressGrannyorany
unexpectedguests,andlemonmeringuepiewillhaveeveryoneclamouringforsecondhelpings.Manyofthesemuch-lovedstaplerecipeswerepasseddownthegenerationsofourownfamiliesandhavestoodthetestoftime,sowehopethatsomeofthemmay
becomearegularpartofyourrepertoire.
FamilyFavourites
StickypearpuddingStrawberryjamomeletteSpicyapplelayerpuddingSyrupandapplespongeApplebrownBettyBakedapplesBakedapplesinblanketsAppletartAppleflapjackToffeeapplepuddingApplecharlotteBlackberry,appleandcinnamoncrumbleCinnamonandapplebreadpuddingLemonspongeLemonmeringuepieBanoffeepuddingOrangeupside-downpuddingSevilleorangemarmaladepuddingsRhubarbandgingerpuddingsPlumandalmondpuddingsBakewelltart
StrawberryjamomeletteCOOKINGTIME5–10MINUTES
SERVES4
1tbspcastersugar
2tbspdoubleorwhippingcream4eggs,separated30g(1oz)unsaltedbutter45g(1½oz)good-qualitystrawberryjam
2tbspicingsugarCreamorcustard,toserve
INALARGEBOWL,beatthecastersugar,creamandeggyolksuntilpale.Inaseparatebowl,beattheeggwhitesuntiltheyformsoftpeaks.Gentlyfoldthisintotheyolkmix.
PREHEATTHEGRILLTOAMEDIUMHEAT.Meltthebutterinamedium,ovenprooffryingpanuntilitstartstofoam,thenaddtheeggmix.Cookoveralowheatfor1–2minutesuntilthebaseoftheomeletteisset.Placeunderthegrillfor2–3minutesuntilthetophasjustset.
MEANWHILE,WARMTHEJAMinasmallsaucepanorthemicrowave.Spreadthisontopofthecookedomeletteandsprinklewiththeicingsugar.Foldtheomeletteinhalfandservewithcreamorcustard.
SpicyapplelayerpuddingCOOKINGTIME2½HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing
2tbspgoldensyrup150g(5oz)demerarasugar120g(4oz)sultanas
2tbsplemonjuice4largecookingapples,coredpeeledandsliced
1tspgroundcinnamonCustard,toserveForthesuetpastry225g(8oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)vegetablesuetTOMAKETHESUETPASTRY,sifttheflourandsaltintoamixingbowl,addthesuetandmixwith150ml(5floz)coldwatertoformastiffdough.Divideroughlyintofourpieces,placeonaflouredsurfaceandpressorrolloutintocircles,graduatinginsizetofita1.1-litre(2-pint)puddingbasin.
GREASETHEBASIN.Spoonthegoldensyrupintothebottomofthebasin.Mixtheremainingingredientstogether.Placethesmallestcircleofpastryinthebasin,thenaddalayeroftheapplefilling,thenalternatewithpastryandfilling,finishingwiththelargestcircleofpastryontop.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2½hours.Turnoutontoaservingdishandservewithcustard.
SyrupandapplespongeCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
90g(3oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,sifted90g(3oz)castersugarFinelygratedzestof½unwaxedlemon(juicetoserve)½tspgroundcinnamon
1egg,beatenMilk,tomix3tbspgoldensyrup,plusoptionalextratoserve
1largecookingapple,peeledandcored
Custard,toserveGREASEA1.7-LITRE(3-pint)puddingbasin.Putthebutterandsiftedflourinamixingbowland,usingyourfingertips,rubtogetheruntilthetextureislikefinecrumbs,thenstirinthesugar,lemonzestandcinnamon.Mixintheeggandenoughmilktoreachasoftdroppingconsistency.
POURTHEGOLDENSYRUPintothebottomofthegreasedbasin.Thinlyslicetheappleandarrangetheslicesfannedoutinacircleontopofthesyrup.Spooninthespongemixture,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard,orgoldensyrupmeltedwithalittlelemonjuice.
ApplebrownBettyCOOKINGTIME30–40MINUTES
SERVES6
800g(1¾lb)peeled,choppedBramleyapple½tspgroundcinnamonGratedzestandjuiceof2oranges25g(1oz)demerarasugar200g(7oz)sweetbiscuits(digestivesorsimilar),crushed50g(2oz)breadcrumbs
50g(2oz)flakedorchoppednuts50g(2oz)unsaltedbutterCreamoricecream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO175°C(340°F),GasMark3–4.Mixtogetherthechoppedapple,cinnamon,orangejuiceandhalfthezestinashallow,20cm(8in)square,ovenproofbakingdish.
COMBINETHESUGAR,crushedbiscuits,breadcrumbsandnutswiththerestoftheorangezestandspreadthisovertheapplemixture.Placesmallpiecesofbutteracrossthetopofthecrumbmix.
BAKEINTHEOVENFOR30–40minutesuntiltheappleiscookedandthecrumbtopiscrispandbrown.Servewithcreamoricecream.
ThisfamilyrecipecomesfromJillCoombe,fromThePuddingClub.SheinheriteditfromGrannyCoombe,whobakeditregularly.It’squicktomakeand
abitofcheat,butabsolutelydeliciousnonetheless.
BakedapplesCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4
4cookingapples,suchasBramleySeedling
75g(3oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasingPinchofgroundgingerorcinnamon100g(3½oz)softlightbrownsugarChilledthickcreamoricecream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Wipeandcoretheapples.Makeashallowcutroundthemiddlecircumferenceoftheapples,piercingtheskinbutgoingnodeeper,sothattheapplesdon’tburstduringcooking.
GREASEASHALLOW,ovenproofbakingdishthatcanholdalltheapplestightly.Placetheapplesinthedishandputapieceofbutterintothecavityofeach,followedbyapinchofyourchosenspice,thenfillupeachapplewithsugar.Dotthetopoftheappleswiththeremainingbutter.Ifyouhaveanysugarorbutterremaining,distributeitacrossthebottomofthedish.
BAKETHEAPPLESFOR30minutesoruntiltheircentresaresoftandfluffyandthebutterandsugarhaveturnedintoathintoffee.Servestraightfromtheovenwithchilledthickcreamoricecream.
IfyoufindyourselfinKentvisittheNationalFruitCollectionatBrogdaleFarmnearFaversham.Thereareahugenumberofappleandotherfruittreesand
cultivars.
BakedapplesinblanketsCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4
Butter,forgreasingPlainflour,fordusting300g(11oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere)½tspmixedspice50g(2oz)castersugar50g(2oz)sultanas1tbspbrandy
4mediumBramleyapples1egg,beatenMilk,forbrushingCustard,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6andgreaseabakingsheet.Onaflouredsurface,rolloutthepastryandcutintofoursquares,eachlargeenoughtofullyencaseawholeapple.
COMBINETHEMIXEDSPICE,sugar,sultanasandbrandytogetherinasmallbowl.Peelandcoretheapplesandplaceoneinthecentreofeachpastrysquare.Filltheholeineachapplewiththespicemixture.Pulluptheedgesofthepastrysothattheapplesareenclosedandpresstogetheratthetop.
ARRANGETHEPASTRYPARCELSonthegreasedbakingsheetwiththejoinspositionedunderneath.Brushwithbeateneggandmilkandbakeintheovenfor30minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Servewithcustard.
AppletartCOOKINGTIME40–45MINUTES
SERVES6–8
900g(2lb)BramleyorCoxapples,peeledandcored100g(3½oz)castersugar
2tbsplemonjuice225g(8oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere),chilled100g(3½oz)apricotjamCreamoricecream,toserve
SLICE700g(1½lb)OFTHEPEELED,coredapplesandplaceinasaucepanwiththesugar,lemonjuiceand100ml(3½floz)water.Bringtotheboilandsimmeruntiltheapplebreaksdownintoapulp.Passthroughasieveandleavetocool.
ROLLOUTTHECHILLEDPASTRYonaflouredsurfaceuntil5mm(¼in)thickanduseittolinea23cm(9in)tartdish(seehere).Refrigeratefor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento190°C(400°F),GasMark5andblindbakethepastrycasefor25minutes(seehere).Removefromtheovenandsetaside.Leavetheoventurnedon.
PLACETHECOOLEDAPPLEPURÉEinthecookedpastrycaseandsmooththesurface.Slicetheremainingapplethinlyandplaceneatlyontothetartinacircle,graduallyoverlappingtheslicesuntiltheapplepuréeiscompletelycovered.
RETURNTHETARTTOTHEOVENandbakefor20–25minutes.Assoonasyou’veremovedthetartfromtheoven,heattheapricotjaminasmallsaucepanorthemicrowave.Useapastrybrushtobrushthemeltedjamontotheappletogiveitaniceglaze.Servethetartwarmorcold,withcreamoricecream.
AppleflapjackCOOKINGTIME35MINUTES
SERVES4–6
960g(2lb2oz)cookingapples,peeled,coredandsliced6tbspcastersugar
4tbspgoldensyrup170g(6oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing240g(8½oz)rolledoats¼tspsalt
1tspgroundgingerIcingsugar,todredgeCustard,toserve
PLACEMOSTOFTHEAPPLESLICESinasaucepan(reserveafewslicesfordecoration)with3½tablespoonsofthecastersugar,coverwithalidandsimmergentlyuntilsoftandpulpy.
PUT2TABLESPOONSOFCASTERSUGARinanothersaucepanwiththegoldensyrupand150g(5oz)ofthebutter,andheatgentlyuntildissolved.Removefromtheheatandstirintheoats,saltandginger.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5andgreaseashallow20cm(8in)piedish.Usethree-quartersoftheoatmixturetolinethebaseandsidesupto2.5cm(1in)fromthetop.Pourovertheapplemixtureandcoverwiththeremainingoatmixture.Pressdownlightly.
BAKEINTHEOVENFORABOUT35minutes.Justbeforetheendofthecookingtime,gentlyfrythereservedappleslicesintheremainingbutterandabout1teaspoonofcastersugar.Removetheflapjackfromtheovenanddredgewithicingsugar.Decoratewiththefriedappleslicesandservewithcustard.
ToffeeapplepuddingCOOKINGTIME2HOURS
SERVES6
200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)softlightbrownsugar
4eggs,beaten200g(7oz)self-raisingflour,sifted150g(5oz)peeled,coredandchoppedBramleyappleCustard,toserve
Forthetoffeesauce30g(1oz)unsaltedbutter70ml(2½floz)whippingcream85g(3oz)softdarkbrownsugar
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Addthebeateneggsasmallamountatatime–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Graduallyfoldintheremainingflour,thenadd100g(3½oz)ofthechoppedappleandmixwell.
TOMAKETHETOFFEESAUCE,putthebutter,creamanddarkbrownsugarinasaucepan,bringtotheboilandsimmeruntilthesaucethickensslightly.Pourthesauceintothebottomofthegreasedbasin,addtheremaining50g(2oz)ofchoppedapple,thenpourthespongemixtureontop.
SEALTHEBASINwithalidorfoilandsteamforapproximately2hoursuntilfirmtothetouch.Turnoutontoaservingplateandservewithcustard.
FortheEnglish,toffeeapplesaresynonymouswithBonfireNight,butinScotland,IrelandandtheUS,thesesugarytreats-onsticksaremorecommonly
eatenatHalloween.
WHYNOTTRY…?It’snicetoservealittleextratoffeesaucealongsidethis.Simplyincreasethe
saucequantitiesasyouwish,andkeepbacktheextraproportionwhenfillingthebasin.
ApplecharlotteCOOKINGTIME45MINUTES
SERVES4
450g(1lb)peeled,coredandchoppedapples(BramleyorCoxareideal)
1tbspcastersugar110g(4oz)unsaltedbutter6medium-thicknessslicesofbread,crustsremoved
1eggyolkCreamorcustard,toserve
PLACETHECHOPPEDAPPLESinasaucepanwiththesugarand25g(1oz)ofthebutter.Cookoveralowheatuntilsoftandbrokendown.Removefromtheheatandpuréetheappleinthepanwithahandblender.Leavetocool.
MELTTHEREMAINING85g(3oz)ofbutterinasaucepanorthemicrowaveandbrushitoveronesideofeachbreadslice,makingsurethebreadiswellcovered.Cutintorectanglesandusemostofthemtolinea20–25cm(8–10in)puddingbasinorroundcaketin,12cm(4½in)indepth,placingthepiecesbuttered-sidedownandslightlyoverlapping(reservealittlebreadforthetop).Pressdownfirmly.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Whentheapplepuréeiscool,whiskintheeggyolkandpourthemixtureintothebread-linedbasinortin.Coverwiththeremainingslicedbread,butter-sideup,andpressdownfirmly.Bakeintheovenfor45minutes,untilgoldenbrown.Carefullyturnoutontoawarmedplateandservewithcreamorcustard.
Blackberry,appleandcinnamoncrumble
COOKINGTIME35–45MINUTES
SERVES6–8
245g(8½oz)self-raisingflour½tspgroundcinnamon165g(5½oz)demerarasugar60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,cutintopieces60g(2oz)margarine
1tspvanillaessence450g(1lb)peeled,coredandslicedBramleyapples250g(9oz)blackberriesCastersugar,totasteCustardorcream,toserveTOPREPARETHECRUMBLETOPPING,sifttheflourandcinnamontogetherintoamixingbowl,addthedemerarasugarandmixwell.Addthebutter,margarineandvanillaessenceandmixtoafinecrumbconsistencywithyourfingertips.Placeinthefridgetochill.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6.Mixtheapplesandblackberriestogetherwithcastersugartotasteandplaceinthebottomofadeep,30cm(12in)ovalovenproofbakingdish.
ADDTHECRUMBLETOPPINGandpresstofirmthetopalittle.Bakeintheovenfor35–45minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Servewithcustardorcream.
Youcansubstitutepartoftheself-raisingflourwithporridgeoats.Youcanalsousechoppedhazelnutsforaddedcrunch.
CinnamonandapplebreadpuddingCOOKINGTIME35–45MINUTES
SERVES6
Butter,forgreasing300g(11oz)whitebread,cutintoapprox.1cm(½in)cubes300g(11oz)peeled,coredandchoppedcookingapple120g(4oz)goldencastersugar
2tspgroundcinnamon200ml(7floz)milk200ml(7floz)whippingcream4eggs
2tspvanillaessenceToffeesauce,toserve(seehere)
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreasea30cm(12in)ovalovenproofbakingdish.Placeabouthalfthebreadcubesandchoppedappleinthebottom,makingsuretheyareevenlymixedinthedish.
MIXTOGETHERTHESUGARandcinnamoninasmallbowl.Sprinkleabouthalfoverthebreadandapple,thenspreadtheremainingbreadandappleontop.Whisktogetherthemilk,cream,eggsandvanillaessenceuntilwellcombined.Pourthisoverthepuddingandleavefor10–15minutesfortheliquidtobeabsorbedintothebread.
SPRINKLETHEREMAININGSUGARandcinnamonontothetopandbakeintheovenfor35–45minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Thecentreofthepuddingshouldstillbeniceandmoistandthetopcrispy.Servewithtoffeesauce.
LemonspongeCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)castersugar3eggs,beaten
200g(7oz)self-raisingflour,siftedFinelygratedzestandjuiceof1unwaxedlemon
3tbsplemoncurdCustard,toserve
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallyaddthebeatenegg–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Foldintheremainingflourandthelemonzestandjuice.
PUTTHELEMONCURDinthebaseofthegreasedbasinandpourthespongemixturecarefullyoverthetop.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
VariationLemonandsyrupspongeMakeasdescribed,butusinggoldencastersugarandomittingthelemonjuicefromthespongemixture.Insteadoflemoncurd,warm3tablespoonsofgoldensyrupinasaucepanorthemicrowave,mixwiththelemonjuiceandplaceinthebasin.Pourthespongemixtureoverthetop,coverandsteamfor2hours.Servewithextrasyrupmixedwithlemonjuice,aswellascustardoricecream.
LemonmeringuepieCOOKINGTIME1HOUR10MINUTES
SERVES6
Flour,fordusting225g(8oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere)
3tbspcornflour225g(8oz)castersugarGratedzestandjuiceof2large,unwaxedlemons3largeeggs,separated40g(1½oz)unsaltedbutterPouringcream,toserve
ONAFLOUREDSURFACE,rolloutthepastrytoacircle2cm(¾in)largerindiameterthantherimofadeep20cm(8in)piedish.Cuta1cm(½in)stripfromallthewayaroundtheedgeofthepastry,dampentherimofthedishandpressonthestrip.Linethedishwiththepastrycircle(seehere),ensuringnoairistrappedunderneath.Prickthebasealloverwithaforkandputinthefridgefor30minutes;thishelpstopreventthepastryshrinkingwhilebaking.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5andblindbakethechilledpastrycasefor25minutesoruntilcookedthrough(seehere).Removefromtheovenandturndownthetemperatureto150°C(300°F),GasMark2.
MEANWHILE,MAKETHEFILLING.Measure275ml(½pint)coldwaterintoajugandspoonthecornflourand50g(2oz)ofthesugarintoabowl.Addenoughofthewatertomixtoasmoothpaste,thenpourtheremainingwaterintoasmallsaucepanandaddthelemonzest.Bringtotheboilandthenpourthisgraduallyontothecornflourpaste,mixingallthetimeuntilsmooth.
RETURNTHEMIXTURETOTHEPANandbringbacktotheboil,stillmixingcontinuously.Simmerverygentlyforabout1minute,continuingtostir.Removethepanfromtheheatandbeatintheeggyolks,lemonjuiceandbutter.Pourthelemonmixtureintothepastrycaseandspreadoutevenly.
TOMAKETHEMERINGUE,whisktheeggwhitesinalarge,scrupulouslycleanbowl
untiltheyformstiffpeaks.Whiskintheremaining175g(6oz)ofsugaraboutaquarteratatime,untilcompletelyincorporated.Withapaletteknife,spreadthemeringueoverthelemonfillinginthepastrycase,takingitrighttotheedgesofthepastryrimsothatthepieissealed.Ifyouwish,youcanmakedecorativeswirlsinthemeringueusingthepaletteknife.
BAKEONTHECENTRESHELFoftheovenfor45minutes,bywhichtimethemeringuewillbepalebeige,crispontheoutsideandsoftwithin.Servewarmorcold(butleavetosettlefor20minutesifservingwarm).Accompanywithchilledpouringcream.
ItiswidelybelievedthatmeringuewasinventedintheSwisstownofMeiringenin1720,althoughdoubtshavebeenraisedbyasimilarrecipediscoveredinanearlierFrenchcookbook,andbytheappearanceoftheword‘meringue’inanearliereditionoftheEnglishdictionary.Butwhateverthetruth–Swissor
French–nobodycanarguethatthelemonmeringuepiehasdevelopedatrulyBritishidentity.
BanoffeepuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
3ripebananas120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)castersugar1largeegg
1tbspmilk120g(4oz)self-raisingflour½tspbakingpowder
2tsplemonjuiceCustard,toserve
Forthetoffeesauce4½tbspdoublecream15g(½oz)unsaltedbutter60g(2oz)softdarkbrownsugarLIGHTLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Placethesauceingredientsinasaucepanandmelttogetheroveralowheat.Peelandsliceonebananaandputinthebottomofthegreasedbasin.Pourinthetoffeesauce.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandsugar,thenbeatintheeggandmilk.Sifttheflourandbakingpowdertogetherintoaseparatebowl.Peeltheremainingtwobananasandmashwiththelemonjuice.Stirthemashedbananasintothecreamedmixturethenfoldinthesiftedflour.
MIXTOENSUREEVERYTHINGiswellincorporatedandpourintothebasin.Coverwellwithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutontoaplateandservewithcustard.
ThecombinationofbananasandtoffeewasdevisedbyaSussexchefintheearly1970s,asthewell-knownpieofthesamename.ItprovedinstantlypopularinBritainandquicklycaughtonaroundtheworld.Inthisrecipetheflavourshave
beentranslatedintoadeliciousspongepudding.
Orangeupside-downpuddingCOOKINGTIME35–40MINUTES
SERVES6–8
125g(4½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing125g(4½oz)castersugar
2eggs125g(4½oz)self-raisingflour2sweetoranges4tbspgoldensyrup
2ballsofstemgingerWhippedcreamoricecream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreaseadeep20cm(8in)caketin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Addtheeggsoneatatime–ifthemixturestartstosplit,justaddalittleoftheflour.Zestoneoftheorangesandaddthegratedzesttothecreamedmixture,thenfoldintheremainingflour.
SPOONTHEGOLDENSYRUPintothebottomofthegreasedtinandspreadtocoverthebase.Peelbothoranges,removingtheskinandpith.Slicethemthinlyandarrangetheslicesoverlappingontopofthegoldensyrup.Slicethestemgingerandplaceontopoftheorangeslices.
SPREADTHESPONGEMIXTUREovertheorangeandgingerslices.Bakeintheovenfor35–40minutesuntilfirm.Leavetocool,thenturnoutontoaservingplateandservewithwhippedcreamoricecream.
SevilleorangemarmaladepuddingsCOOKINGTIME45–60MINUTES
MAKES8
240g(8½oz)good-quality,thick-cut,Sevilleorangemarmalade200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)castersugar
4eggs½tspvanillaessence200g(7oz)self-raisingflour,siftedGratedzestandjuiceof1orangeCustard,toserveGREASEEIGHT150–200ml(5–7floz)ovenproofpuddingbasins.Place30g(1oz)ofthemarmaladeintothebottomofeach.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Addtheeggsandvanillaessence–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleofthesiftedflour.Foldtheremainingflourintothecreamedmixtureandstirwell.Finallyaddtheorangezestandjuice.
DIVIDETHEMIXTUREEVENLYbetweenthepuddingbasins.Sealwithlidsorfoilandsteamfor45–60minutesuntilcooked.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Sevilleorangesareonlyavailableforaveryshorttimeatthebeginningoftheyear,solookoutforthemifyouwanttomakeyourownmarmalade.
RhubarbandgingerpuddingsCOOKINGTIME45–60MINUTES
MAKES8
200g(7oz)freshrhubarb50g(2oz)stemginger,finelychopped200ml(7floz)gingersyrup(fromthestemgingerjar)200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)castersugar
4eggs200g(7oz)self-raisingflour½tspbakingpowder
2tbspgroundgingerGratedzestandjuiceof1orangeCustard,vanillaicecreamorvanillayoghurt,toserveGREASEEIGHT200ml(7floz)puddingbasins.Choptherhubarbinto2–3cm(¾–1in)pieces.Drainthestemgingerandmeasureouttherequiredsyrupfromthejar.Put5teaspoonsofthegingersyrupintoeachbasinandtopwith25g(1oz)ofthechoppedrhubarb.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallyaddtheeggs–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Sifttheremainingflourintoaseparatebowl,togetherwiththebakingpowderandgroundginger.Foldthemintothecreamedmixtureandstirwelltoincorporate.
ADDTHEORANGEZESTandjuiceandthechoppedstemginger.Themixtureshouldbefairlyfluid;divideitevenlybetweenthegreasedbasinsandsealwithlidsorfoil.Steamfor45–60minutes.Turnoutandservewithcustard,vanillaicecreamorvanillayoghurt.
PlumandalmondpuddingsCOOKINGTIME15–20MINUTES
MAKES8
100g(3½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened100g(3½oz)castersugar
2eggs½tspalmondessence100g(3½oz)self-raisingflour50g(2oz)groundalmonds240g(8½oz)dicedorslicedVictoriaplums40g(1½oz)goldensyrupThickcreamorvanillaicecream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Addtheeggsandalmondessence–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Foldintheremainingflourandgroundalmondsandmixwell.
PLACE30g(1oz)oftheplumsandabout1teaspoonofthesyrupinthebottomofeight200ml(7floz)ovenproofpuddingbasins.Pour80g(3oz)ofthespongemixintoeachbasinandbakeforapproximately15minutes,untilfirmtothetouchandgoldenbrown.Turnoutandservewiththickcreamorvanillaicecream.
ThePuddingClubisontheedgeoftheValeofEvesham–oneofthefruit-growingcentresofEngland–andwecreatedthisrecipewhenwehadaglutofplumsoneyear.ThebestplumsareVictoria,delicioustoeatontheirown,or
spoilyourselfanduseafewinthisrecipe.
BakewelltartCOOKINGTIME40MINUTES
SERVES8
375g(13oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere),chilled225g(8oz)unsaltedbutter,softened225g(8oz)castersugar
225g(8oz)groundalmonds
3eggs50g(2oz)plainflour,plusextrafordustingGratedzestof1unwaxedlemon350g(12oz)good-qualityraspberryjam25g(1oz)flakedalmondsCustardorcream,toserveROLLOUTTHECHILLEDPASTRYonaflouredsurfaceuntil5mm(¼in)thickanduseittolinea30cm(12in)tartdish(seehere).Refrigeratefor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento190°C(400°F),GasMark5andblindbakethechilledpastrycasefor25minutes(seehere).Removefromtheovenandsetaside.Reducetheoventemperatureto180°C(350°F),GasMark4.
TOMAKETHEFILLING,creamtogetherthebutterandsugarinamixingbowluntilpaleandfluffy.Mixinthegroundalmonds,thenaddtheeggstothemixtureoneatatime,mixingwellwitheachaddition.Ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Finally,addtheremainingflourandlemonzestandmixtocombine.
SPREADTHERASPBERRYJAMacrossthebaseofthecookedpastrycase.Pourthefillingoverthejamandlevelitout.Sprinkletheflakedalmondsontop.Bakeintheovenfor20minutes,untilsetandgoldenbrown.Allowtocoolandservewithcustardorcream.
ManythinkthisistheoriginalconfectionfromtheDerbyshiretown,buttheyaresadlymistaken,asthistartisthepretendertotheBakewellpuddingthrone(seehere).Ithasbecomefamousnonetheless,alongwiththemuch-disputedtheory
thatitcameaboutwhenarecipeforjamtartswentwrong.
FORGOTTENPUDDINGS
CHAPTER4
SomeBritishpuddingscanbetracedbackasfarasthe15thcentury.Withsuchalong-tailedhistory,it’snosurprisethatwehavesomanytochoosefrom.Butovertheyears,trendsforsweettreatshavecomeandgone,andmanyonce-lovedpudsarenowalmostforgotten.Soin
thischapterwewanttoremindeveryoneaboutsomeneglectedpuddingsthatdeservetobecookedandenjoyedanew!Manyofthemwillbeunknowntoyou;wehopeyouwillgivethematryandenjoylearningthequirkystoriesabouttheiroriginsandhowtheygained
theirnames.We’dloveyoutosharethesepuddingswithyourfriendsandhelpussavethemfromextinction.
ForgottenPuddings
Duchess’spuddingDukeofCambridgetartOxfordpuddingPoorknightsofWindsorRhubarbhatVictoria’spuddingPrinceAlbertpuddingCharlotteroyaleCollegepuddingThreeandthreepuddingAppledappyApplebolsterCabinetpuddingSussexpondpuddingKentishwellpuddingBakewellpuddingNottinghambatterpuddingBlackberryExeterpuddingManchesterpuddingsLightcloutiedumplingScottishflummery
Duchess’spuddingCOOKINGTIME1½–2HOURS
SERVES4–6
120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)castersugar
2eggs,beaten150g(5oz)self-raisingflour60g(2oz)mixeddriedfruit30g(1oz)glacécherries,chopped30g(1oz)shelledwalnuts,choppedFewdropsofalmondessenceMilk,tomix
Custard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallyaddtheeggstothecreamedmixture,beatingwellaftereachaddition.
SIFTINTHEFLOUR,thenaddthemixedfruit,cherries,nuts,almondessenceandenoughmilktogiveasoftdroppingconsistency.Pourintothegreasedbasin,coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½–2hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
DukeofCambridgetartCOOKINGTIME40MINUTES
SERVES6
225g(8oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere)Plainflour,fordusting50g(2oz)choppedmixedcandiedpeel50g(2oz)glacécherries,chopped25g(1oz)angelica,chopped75g(3oz)unsaltedbutter75g(3oz)castersugar
2eggyolksCream,toserve
GREASEAN18cm(7in)tartorsandwichtin.Alternatively,youcanusesixindividualtarttins.Rolloutthepastryonaflouredsurfaceanduseittolinethegreasedtin(s).Chillinthefridgefor30minutestoavoidthepastryshrinkingwhilebaking.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Sprinklethechilledpastrywiththechoppedcandiedpeel,cherriesandangelica.Putthebutter,sugarandeggyolksintoasmallsaucepanandbringtotheboil,beatingwithawoodenspoon.Whenboiling,pouroverthefruitinthepastrycase(s).
BAKEINTHEOVENFOR30–40MINUTES;checkafter30minutesandcoverwithfoilifthepastryisbrowningtoomuch.Individualtartswillneedlesscookingtime(givethem20–25minutesbutcheckthemregularly).Servewarmwithcream.
OxfordpuddingCOOKINGTIME3HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing60g(2oz)softdarkbrownsugar180g(6½oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt
60g(2oz)groundrice120g(4oz)shreddedsuet120g(4oz)goldensyrup,plusextratoserve120g(4oz)thick-cutmarmalade1egg,beaten
2tbspmilkCustard,toserve
THOROUGHLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasinandpressthesugarontothesidesandthebase.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoamixingbowlandaddthegroundrice.Stirinthesuet,goldensyrupandmarmalade.
MIXTOGETHERTHEBEATENEGGANDMILK,thenpourthisontotheotheringredients,mixingwelltocombine.Pourintothegreasedbasin,coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor3hours,toppingupwithboilingwaterasnecessary.Turnoutandservewithwarmedgoldensyrupandcustard.
PoorknightsofWindsorCOOKINGTIME10MINUTES
SERVES4–6
3tbspsinglecream2eggs3tbspmediumsherry1tbspgroundcinnamon
2tbspcastersugar6slicesofday-oldwhitebread,1.25cm(½in)thick,crustsremovedUnsaltedbutter,forfryingJam,toserveBEATTHECREAM,EGGSANDSHERRYtogetherwell.Mixthecinnamonandsugartogetherinasmallbowl.Cuteachsliceofbreadintothreewidefingersanddipeachpieceintotheeggmixturetocoatbothsides.
MELTTHEBUTTERINALARGEFRYINGPANuntilsizzling.Frythecoatedbreadslicesuntilcrispandgoldenbrownonbothsides.Pilethecookedslicesontoawarmservingdishandsprinklewiththecinnamonsugar.Servewithajamsauce,madebygentlymeltingsomejaminasmallsaucepanandmixingwithalittlewater.
Stalebreadistransformedintoadeliciousrichdessert,notunlikeFrenchtoast.OnetheorysuggeststhenamecameaboutbecausethepuddingwasservedtoretiredmilitaryofficersatWindsorCastleaspaymentforofficiatingatservices
andceremonies.
RhubarbhatCOOKINGTIME2–3HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing90g(3oz)breadcrumbs30g(1oz)vegetablesuet60g(2oz)castersugar½tspgroundginger10g(½oz)stemginger,chopped240g(8½oz)freshrhubarb,choppedCustard,toserve
Forthesuetpastry240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)vegetablesuetGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Tomakethesuetpastry,sifttheflourandsaltintoamixingbowl,addthesuetandmixwithenoughcoldwatertoformafairlystiffdough.Dividethepastryintotwothirdsandonethird.Rolloutthelargerpieceonaflouredsurfaceandusetolinethegreasedbasin.Reservethesmallerpieceforthelid.
TOMAKETHEFILLING,combinethebreadcrumbs,suet,sugarandbothtypesofginger.Placehalfofthechoppedrhubarbintothebaseofthelinedbasin.Coverwithhalfofthebreadcrumbmixtureandrepeatwiththerestoftherhubarb,thentheremainingcrumbs.
ONTHEFLOUREDSURFACE,rolloutthesmallerpieceofpastryandplaceontopofthepudding,wettingtheedgestomakeitstick.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2–3hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Victoria’spuddingCOOKINGTIME5½HOURS
SERVES6–8
60g(2oz)stoneddates60g(2oz)demerarasugar30g(1oz)glacécherries,chopped180g(6½oz)raisinsPinchofgroundnutmeg¼tspmixedspice
2tsphoney
2tsprum120ml(4floz)coldteaButter,forgreasing90g(3oz)wholemealself-raisingflour60g(2oz)wholemealbreadcrumbs
2tbspsunfloweroil1smallbanana,peeledandmashed1egg,beatenCustard,toserve
INALARGEMIXINGBOWL,mixtogetherthefirstninelistedingredients,fromthedatestothecoldtea.Coverandleavetosteep,ideallyovernightorforatleastafewhours.
THOROUGHLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Combinetheremainingingredientsandmixintothesteepedmixtureuntileverythingiswellincorporated.Pourintothegreasedbasin,coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor5½hours,addingmoreboilingwaterasnecessary.Servewithcustard.
It’sawell-knownfactthatQueenVictorialovedpuddings.Andnobodywouldexpecthernamesakepuddingtobefrugal–loadedwithdates,cherries,spices,rumandbananas,it’sapuddingfitforaqueen.Thiskeepsverywellandcanbe
reheatedbysteamingfor1½hours.
PrinceAlbertpuddingCOOKINGTIME2½HOURS
SERVES6
270g(9½oz)prunes180g(6½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened120g(4oz)castersugar
3eggs,separated45g(1½oz)groundrice120g(4oz)brownbreadcrumbsFinelygratedzestof1unwaxedlemonMilk,tomix
Creamorcustard,toserveLINETHEBASEOFA1.5-LITRE(2½-pint)puddingbasinwithacircleofgreaseproofpaper.Slicetheprunesinhalf,removingthestones.Melt60g(2oz)ofthebutterinasmallsaucepan,thendiptheprunehalvesintothemeltedbutterandusethemtocompletelylinethebasin,placingthefleshysideagainstthebasin’sedge.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogethertherestofthebutterwiththesugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Beatintheeggyolksandfoldinthegroundrice,breadcrumbsandlemonzest.Mixwithenoughmilktoreachasoftdroppingconsistency.
INACLEANBOWL,beattheeggwhitestoastifffroth,foldintothepuddingmixtureandspoonitcarefullyintotheprune-linedbasin.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2½hours.Turnoutandservewithcreamorcustard.
LikeQueenVictoria,itseemshusbandAlbertwasalsopartialtoapuddingortwo,andthisisjustoneofmanybespokepudsthatwereprobablyinventedinthe
palacekitchensespeciallyforthem.
CharlotteroyaleCOOKINGTIME30–40MINUTES
SERVES8
Butter,forgreasing500ml(18floz)milk2tspvanillaessence
5eggyolks150g(5oz)castersugar,plusextraforthebasin25g(1oz)gelatineleaves500ml(18floz)whippingcreamCream,toserve
FortheSwissroll
4eggs220g(8oz)castersugar120g(4oz)self-raisingflour,sifted200g(7oz)raspberryorstrawberryjamFIRSTMAKETHESWISSROLL.Preheattheovento220°C(425°F),GasMark7.Usegreaseproofpapertolineashallow,oblongbakingtrayofapprox.45×20cm(18×8in).Whisktheeggsand120g(4oz)ofthesugarinalargeheatproofbowlsetoverasaucepanofsimmeringwater(abain-marie)untilthick,creamyandwhiteincolour.Removefromtheheatthengentlyfoldthesiftedflourintothemixture.Pourintothelinedtrayandlevelout.Bakeforapproximately8minutesoruntilfirmtothetouch.
SPREADTHEREMAINING100g(3½oz)ofcastersugaronacleanteatowelandcarefullyturnthespongeoutofthetinwhilestillwarm,ontothesugaredcloth.Spreadthejamevenlyoverthesponge,thencarefullyrolluptoformaSwissroll.Trimtheendsandleavetocool.
GREASEA1.7-LITRE(3-pint)puddingbasinandcoatwithcastersugar.ThinlyslicetheSwissrollandarrangetheslicesinsidethebasinsothatitiscompletelylined.
TOMAKETHEFILLING,heatthemilkandvanillaessenceinasaucepanandbringtotheboil.Whisktogethertheeggyolksandsugarinalargemixingbowluntilthickandcreamy.Graduallypourthehotmilkontotheeggandsugarmixture,whiskingtocombine.Thenreturnthemixturetothesaucepanandheatgraduallyuntilitthickensandwillcoatthebackofaspoon;thisshouldtake5–10minutes.
SOAKTHEGELATINEincoldwateruntilsoft,thenremoveandsqueezeoutanyexcesswater.Addtothefillingandstiruntildissolved.Strainthemixturethroughasieveandleavetocool.Whipthecreamlightly,thenfoldintothefillingjustbeforeitreachessettingpoint.Pourintothebasin,andplaceinthefridgefor2hourstoset.Turnoutontoaplateandservewithcream.
CollegepuddingCOOKINGTIME2½HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing120g(4oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt120g(4oz)breadcrumbs120g(4oz)vegetablesuet120g(4oz)raisins60g(2oz)currants30g(1oz)choppedmixedcandiedpeel90g(3oz)softlightbrownsugar
1egg,beatenApprox.6tbspmilkCustard,toserve
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoamixingbowl,thenaddthebreadcrumbs,suet,driedfruit,candiedpeelandsugarandmixtocombine.Stirinthebeateneggandenoughofthemilktoproduceasoftdroppingconsistency.
SPOONINTOTHEPUDDINGBASIN,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2½hours.Thispuddingturnsouteasilyiflefttorestforafewminutesaftertakingitoutofthesteamer.Servewithcustard.
So-calledbecauseitwastraditionallyservedtostudentsinthecollegehallsofOxfordandCambridge.A1617recipeforthispuddingmaybetheearliest
mentionofsuetinBritishcookery.
ThreeandthreepuddingCOOKINGTIME50MINUTES
SERVES6–8
170g(6oz)roughpuffpastry
3largecookingapples85g(3oz)castersugar,plus1extratablespoonforthemeringue85g(3oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing3eggs,separated
Gratedzestandjuiceof1unwaxedlemonCandiedfruits,todecorateCream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Greasea20cm(8in)piedishandlinewiththepuffpastry(seehere).Decoratetheedgeswithleavesandflowerscutfromthetrimmings.
PEELANDCORETHEAPPLES,cutintoquartersandhalveeachpieceagain,thenplaceinasaucepanwith1tablespoonofwater.Overamediumheat,simmergentlyuntilsoft,thenremovefromtheheatandpushthesoftenedapplethroughasieve,orpuréeinthepanwithahandblender.
ADDTHESUGAR,butter,eggyolks,lemonjuiceandzesttothepuréedappleandmixwellinthepanoveralowheatforafewminutesuntilthick,butdonotallowtoboil.Transferthismixtureintotheuncookedpastrycaseandbakefor30minutes.
MEANWHILE,INASCRUPULOUSLYcleanbowl,whisktheeggwhitestostiffpeaks,thenadd1tablespoonofsugarandwhiskinwell.Pilethemeringuemixtureontothecookedfruitbase,spreadingitrighttotheedgestoseal.Decoratewithcandiedfruitsandbakeforafurther20minutesatthebottomoftheoven.Servewithcream.
Thosewithsharpeyeswillunderstandthenameofthispudding.Ofcourse,itbecomesmuchmoremysteriouswhentheingredientsaregiveninmetric…
AppledappyCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES6–8
240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordusting
1tspbakingpowder60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing150ml(5floz)milk480g(1lb1oz)cookingapples,peeled,coredanddiced
1tbspdemerarasugar½tspgroundallspiceorcinnamonCustardorclottedcream,toserveForthelemonsyrup
1unwaxedlemon
1tbspgoldensyrup15g(½oz)unsaltedbutter120g(4oz)castersugar
FIRST,MAKETHELEMONSYRUP.Peelthelemonasthinlyaspossibleandsqueezeoutthejuice.Putthepeel,juiceandothersyrupingredientsintoasmallsaucepanwith200ml(7floz)waterandheatgently,stirringuntilthesugarisdissolved.Leavetostanduntilneeded.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Thoroughlygreaseabakingtinorovenproofbakingdish.Sifttheflourandbakingpowderintoafoodprocessor,addthebutterandprocesstofinebreadcrumbs.(Alternatively,putinalargemixingbowlandrubtogetherwithyourfingertipsuntiltheyresemblebreadcrumbs.)Mixinthemilktoformadough.
ROLLOUTTHEDOUGHonaflouredsurfacetoa20cm(8in)square,approx.5mm(¼in)thick.Spreadthechoppedapplesontothedoughandsprinklewiththesugarandspice.RollupverytightlylikeaSwissrollandcutinto2.5cm(1in)slices.
ARRANGETHESLICESinthegreasedbakingtinordishinasinglelayer.Removethepeelfromthesyrupandpourovertheslices.Bakeintheovenfor30minutes,oruntiltheslicesarepuffedupandgoldenbrown.Servewithcustardorclottedcream.
ThedappyhailsfromtheWestCountry,whereapplesaregrowninabundancethroughoutDorset,Somerset,DevonandCornwallforthelocalcidertrade.
ApplebolsterCOOKINGTIME40MINUTES
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing225g(8oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordusting½tspsalt
100g(3½oz)shreddedsuetApprox.135ml(4½floz)milk,plus1tbspforbrushing450g(1lb)cookingapples50g(2oz)softlightbrownsugar50g(2oz)sultanas
¼tspmixedspice¼tspgroundcinnamonCustardorcream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6andgreaseabakingtray.Stirtheflour,saltandsuettogetherinalargebowl.Graduallymixinenoughmilktoformasoftdough.Turnoutthedoughontoaflouredsurfaceandkneadlightlybeforerollingouttoa30cm(12in)square.
PEELANDCORETHEAPPLESandcutthefleshintosmallpieces.Mixtheapplewiththesugar,sultanasandspicesandarrangeonthesuetpastryto2.5cm(1in)fromtheedges.Dampentheedgesofthepastrywithalittlewater,rolluptightlylikeaSwissrollandsealtheends.
PUTTHEPUDDINGontothegreasedbakingtraywiththeseamfacingdownwards.Brushthesurfacewiththeremainingtablespoonofmilkandbakeintheovenfor40minutes.Servehotwithcustardorcream.
CabinetpuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES6
40g(1½oz)choppedmixedcandiedpeel25g(1oz)sultanas100g(3½oz)currants275g(10oz)ready-madespongecake50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing
3eggsApprox.450ml(16floz)milk25g(1oz)castersugarGratedzestof1unwaxedlemonPinchofgroundnutmegCustard,toserveTHOROUGHLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sprinklethebasewiththecandiedpeel,sultanasandafewofthecurrants.Trytogetsomeofthefruittosticktothesidesofthebasin.Cutthespongecakeintothinslicesandarrangeinlayersinthebasin,withcurrantsandalittlebutterbetweeneachlayer.
BREAKTHEEGGSintoameasuringjugandmakeupto600ml(1pint)withmilk.Addthesugar,lemonzestandnutmegandbeattogetheruntilwellmixed.Pourthisliquidintothepuddingbasinveryslowly,sothatitsoaksintothespongecake.Leavetostandfor2hoursforthespongetosoakandsoften.
COVERTHEBASINwithalidordoublelayerofgreaseproofpaperandsteamthepuddingfor1½hours,keepingthewatertoppedupasnecessary.Removefromthepanandleavetostandfor3minutes,thenturnoutontoawarmedservingplate.Servewarmwithcustard.
Atraditionalsteamedpudwithlayersofspongeandlotsofdriedfruit,thisisalsosometimescalledchancellor’spudding,orifservedcolditisknownas
diplomat’spudding.
SussexpondpuddingCOOKINGTIME3½HOURS
SERVES8
120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)demerarasugar1largelemon(preferablywithathinskin)Custard,toserve
Forthesuetpastry240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)vegetablesuetApprox.150ml(5floz)mixedmilkandwaterGREASEA1.5–1.7-LITRE(2½–3-pint)puddingbasin.Tomakethepastry,sifttheflourandsaltintoamixingbowl,thenaddthesuetandmixwell.Addenoughofthemilkmixturetoformasoftdoughthatcanberolledout.Itisveryimportantthatthedoughisnottoowet.
ONAFLOUREDSURFACE,rollthedoughintoalargecircle,ensuringit’snotrolledtoothinly.Cutoutaquarterofthecircleandsetasidetouselaterformakingalid.Placetheremainingdoughinthegreasedbasinandjoinupthetwocutedges,wettingthemtoseal,sothatthebasiniscompletelylined.
CUTTHEBUTTERINTOSMALLPIECESandputhalfinthebasinwithhalfthesugar.Prickthelemonallover,usingathickskewer.Placeontopofthebutterandsugarinthebasin.Coverwiththerestofthebutterandsugar.
RE-ROLLTHEREMAININGPASTRYtomakealid.Wettheedges,fitoverthefillingandpresstheedgesdowntosealthemfirmly.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor3½hours(orlongerforareallytenderlemon),addingmorewaterifneeded.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
KentishwellpuddingCOOKINGTIME3½HOURS
SERVES8
1tbspgoldensyrupGratedzestandjuiceof1unwaxedlemon120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)softlightbrownsugar120g(4oz)currantsCustard,toserve
Forthesuetpastry240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)vegetablesuetApprox.150ml(5floz)mixedmilkandwaterGREASEA1.5–1.7-LITRE(2½–3-pint)puddingbasin.Tomakethepastry,sifttheflourandsaltintoamixingbowl,thenaddthesuetandmixwell.Addenoughofthemilkmixturetomakeasoftdoughthatcanberolledout.Itisveryimportantthatthedoughisnottoowet.
ONAFLOUREDSURFACE,rollthedoughintoalargecircle,ensuringit’snotrolledtoothinly.Cutoutaquarterofthecircleandsetasidetouselaterformakingalid.
PLACETHEGOLDENSYRUPinthebottomofthegreasedbasin,alongwithhalfthelemonzest.Wetthecutedgesofthelargepieceofdoughandplaceitinthegreasedbasin,joiningupthetwocutedgessothatthebasiniscompletelylined.Cutthebutterintosmallpieces,mixwiththesugarandcurrantsandplaceinthelinedbasin.
ONTHEFLOUREDSURFACE,rollouttheremainingpastrytomakealid.Wettheedges,placeoverthefillingandpresstheedgestogethertosealthemfirmly.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor3½hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Thelesser-knowncousinoftheSussexpondpudding(seehere),it’snosurprise
thatKentdevelopedasimilarpud,sincethetwocountiesshareaborder.WheretheSussexvarietyconcealsawholelemon,thisrecipehasabutterycentrefilled
withcurrants.
BakewellpuddingCOOKINGTIME25–30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
2heapedtbspapricotjam3eggs,beaten90g(3oz)castersugar120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,melted,plusextraforgreasing90g(3oz)groundalmondsCustardorcream,toserveForthepastry
180g(6½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordusting45g(1½oz)unsaltedbutter45g(1½oz)lard
Icedwater,tomixPREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6.Makethepastrybyrubbingtheflour,butterandlardtogetherwithyourfingertipsuntilthemixtureresemblesbreadcrumbs.Addice-coldwateratablespoonfulatatime,untilthecrumbscometogethertoformadough.Wrapinclingfilmandchillfor30minutes,thenrolloutonaflouredboardto5mm(¼in)thick.
GREASEA20cm(8in)piedishandlinewiththepastry(seehere).Warmthejamgentlyinasaucepanorthemicrowaveandspreadthisevenlyovertheuncookedpastrybase.Beattheeggsandsugartogetheruntilpaleandcreamy,thenstirinthemeltedbutterandgroundalmondsandpourthemixtureoverthejam.Bakefor25–30minutesoruntilthefillingisset.Servewithcustardorcream.
BakewellpuddingistheoriginalconfectionforwhichtheDerbyshiretownbecamefamous(notBakewelltart!).Ifyouwalkalongthehighstreettoday,
you’llseesignsinnumeroustearoomandbakerywindows,allofwhichclaimtobetheestablishmentresponsibleforthepudding’sinvention.Nobodyknows
whichistellingthetruth…
NottinghambatterpuddingCOOKINGTIME45–50MINUTES
SERVES4
200g(7oz)plainflourPinchofsalt
2eggs110ml(4floz)milk50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing50g(2oz)softlightbrownsugarPinchofgroundnutmegPinchofgroundcinnamon
4evenly-sizedBramleyapplesCustardorcream,toserve
SIFTTHEFLOURANDSALTintoamixingbowl.Measure110ml(4floz)waterinajug,thenaddtheeggsandmilkandstirwelltomix.Pourthisintotheflourandwhiskverywelluntilcreamyandbubbly.Chillthebatterinthefridgeforaminimumof30minutes.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6andgreaseanovenproofbakingdish,about5cm(2in)deep.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenbeatinapincheachofnutmegandcinnamon.
CORETHEAPPLESandfillthemequallywiththecreamedmixture.Takethechilledbatterfromthefridgeandbeatwell.Placetheapplesuprightinthegreaseddishandpourthebatteroverthetop.Bakeintheovenfor45–50minutes.Servewithcustardorcream.
NottinghamshireisfamousforitsBramleySeedlingapples,whichhavebeen
growingthereforovertwocenturies.SoitfollowsthattheBramleyappleisthecentralingredientinthisrecipeforNottingham’sbest-knownpudding.
BlackberryExeterpuddingCOOKINGTIME2½–3HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing90g(3oz)breadcrumbs60g(2oz)castersugar30g(1oz)vegetablesuet120g(4oz)blackberries120g(4oz)peeled,choppedcookingappleCustard,toserve
Forthesuetpastry240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)vegetablesuetGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Tomakethesuetpastry,sifttheflourandsaltintoamixingbowl,addthesuetandmixwithenoughcoldwatertoformafairlystiffdough,thendividethepastryintotwothirdsandonethird.Rolloutthelargerpieceonaflouredsurfaceandusetolinethegreasedbasin.Reservethesmallerpieceforthelid.
TOMAKETHEFILLING,combinethebreadcrumbs,sugarandsuet.Placehalftheblackberriesandchoppedappleintothebaseofthelinedbasin.Coverwithhalfthebreadcrumbmixtureandtopwiththeremainingblackberriesandapple.Coverwiththerestofthecrumbs.
ROLLOUTTHESMALLERPIECEOFPASTRYandplaceontopofthepudding,wettingtheedgestomakeitstick.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2½–3hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Afewyearsago,RickSteinfeaturedThePuddingClubasoneofhis‘foodheroes’onhisTVseriesofthesamename.Thiswasthelong-forgottenpudding
thatwechosetoshowcasetothenationontheprogramme.
ManchesterpuddingsCOOKINGTIME40MINUTES
MAKES6
600ml(1pint)milkGratedzestof1unwaxedlemon50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter275g(10oz)castersugar100g(3½oz)whitebreadcrumbs4eggs,separated,plus2yolks
4tspgood-qualityraspberryjamPREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andplacesixovenproof8cm(3in)ramekinsintoadeepbakingtray.Pourthemilkintoasaucepan,addthelemonzestandplaceoveramediumheat.Bringtotheboil,toinfuse,thenremovefromtheheatandleavetocoolfor10–15minutes.
WHENCOOL,ADDTHEBUTTERAND50g(2oz)ofthesugartothelemon-infusedmilk,andheatgentlyfor4minutes.Removefromtheheat,addthebreadcrumbsandmixwell.Stirinthesixeggyolks.
DIVIDETHEMIXTUREbetweentheramekins,thenpourwaterintothebakingtraysothatitcomesabouthalfwayupthesideoftheramekins.Placeintheoven,takingcarenottospillthewater,andbakefor30minutes.Removefromtheovenandsetasidetocoolslightly.Increasetheoventemperatureto220°C(425°F),GasMark7.
TOMAKETHEMERINGUE,whisktheeggwhitesinascrupulouslycleanbowluntiltheyformsoftpeaks,thenaddtheremaining225g(8oz)ofcastersugarandwhisktoformstiffpeaks.
PLACEATEASPOONOFRASPBERRYJAMontoeachpudding,thenspoonagenerousamountofmeringueontothetopofeach.Returnthepuddingstothehotovenandbakeforapproximately10minutesuntilslightlybrowned.Servewhilestillhot.
LightcloutiedumplingCOOKINGTIME3HOURS
SERVES8
360g(12½oz)self-raisingflour½tspsalt180g(6½oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)softlightbrownsugar1tspgroundcinnamon
1tspgroundgingerFinelygratedzestof1orange480g(1lb1oz)sultanas240g(8½oz)currants1tbspgoldensyrup
1tbspblacktreacle2eggs,beatenMilk,tomixCustardtoserve
GREASEA1.7-LITRE(3-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoamixingbowl,thenrubinthebutterwithyourfingertipsuntilthemixtureresemblescrumbs.Stirinthesugar,spices,orangezestanddriedfruits.
MAKEAWELLINTHECENTREOFTHEMIXTUREandpourinthesyrup,treacleandeggs,thenmixwithenoughmilktomakeastiffbutmoistmixture.Spoonintothegreasedbasin,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor3hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
ThisScottishsuetpuddingisnamedafterthecloth(‘cloutie’)inwhichitwasoriginallycooked.Traditionally,anyleftoverswerekeptandre-heatedbyfrying
theminalittlebutter.
ScottishflummeryCOOKINGTIME5MINUTES
SERVES4–6
1tbspoatmeal(ideallypinhead)300ml(11floz)doublecream
3tbspclearhoney4tbspliqueurwhisky(Drambuie)Juiceof½lemon
HEATTHEOATMEALGENTLYinaheavy-basedsaucepanuntilitjustturnsbrown,thenremovefromtheheatandsetaside.Inalargebowl,beatthecreamuntilsmoothbutnotstiff.
MELTTHEHONEYGENTLYinasaucepanuntilitrunseasily,beingcarefulnottoletitboil.Foldthemeltedhoneyintothebeatencream,thenstirintheliqueurandlemonjuice.Spoonintoindividualglassesorbowlsandservewhilestillwarm,withthebrownedoatmealsprinkledontop.
LegendhasitthatFloraMacdonaldmadethispuddingforBonniePrinceCharliewhenshehelpedhimfleeScotlandandescapetotheIsleofSkye.
PUDDINGSWITHATWIST
CHAPTER5
Britishcuisinehasalwayswelcomednewideasandexoticflavoursandourpuddingsarenoexception.Inthischapter,someofthemostclassicBritishpudsarecustomisedusingdifferentingredientsandfreshcombinations,toofferdelicioustwistsonfamiliarrecipes.TheEtonmessisreinventedwithblackberries,carrotsmakeawonderfullymoistpuddingthatwillrivalanycake,andtherolypolyisupdatedto
includelemoncurd.Impressyourfriendswithanunusualblackcurrantandmintpie,ortryourflavourfulrosemarysyllabub(itmayseemmodern,butisinfactcenturiesold!).Whynothavefuninventingyourowntwistsonotherclassicrecipesthroughoutthis
book?
PuddingsWithaTwist
RosemarysyllabubQuinceamberLordRandall’spuddingTutti-fruttipuddingPruneandmuscatpuddingsButterscotchtartLimemeringuepieLemoncurdrolypolyLemonsurprisepuddingMillenniumpuddingOrientalgingerpuddingPearandgingercharlotteCoconutricepuddingCarrotpuddingBlackcurrantandmintpieBlackberryEtonmessRhubarbandorangebrownBettyRhubarbrouladeGooseberryandelderflowerfoolGreengageflapjack
RosemarysyllabubINFUSINGTIMEONLY
SERVES6–8
1large,freshrosemarysprig,plusextratogarnish4tbspdrywhitewine
4tbspbrandyGratedzestandjuiceof2unwaxedlemons,plusextratogarnish120g(4oz)castersugar500ml(18floz)doublecreamREMOVECLUMPSOFROSEMARYLEAVESfromthewoodystemandbruisethemwell.Puttheleavesinabowlandcoverwiththewineandbrandy.Addthelemonjuice,zestandsugar.Leavetosteepovernightorforaminimumofafewhourstoallowthefullflavouroftherosemarytoinfuse.
STRAINTHEINFUSEDWINEMIXTUREintoalargebowlandstirthecreamintotheinfusion.Whipuntilthickbutnotstiffandpourintoservingglasses.Servechilled,garnishedwithlemonzestandrosemary.Eatwithin24hoursorthesyllabubmayseparate.
VariationAsanalternativetorosemary,youcantrylemongeraniumleaves,rosepetals,elderflowers,lavenderorsweetcicely.Simplyinfusethewineandlemonjuicewithyourchosenflavourinthesamewayasdescribed.
ThesyllabubcanbetracedbacktomedievaltimesandforcenturiesremainedoneofthemostpopularandcommondessertsinBritain,untiltheendoftheVictorianerasawthearrivaloficecream.Whilstrosemarymightseeman
unusualingredienthere,itisactuallyveryauthentic.
QuinceamberCOOKINGTIME1HOUR
SERVES4–6
450g(1lb)peeled,coredquinces50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)castersugar225g(8oz)freshwhitebread
3eggs,separatedPREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andthoroughlygreasea20cm(8in)piedish.Quarterthequincesandcuteachpieceinhalfagain.Placeinasaucepanwiththebutterand50g(2oz)ofthesugar.Cookoveragentleheatuntilthefruitmixtureissoftandthick.
PROCESSTHEBREADintofinebreadcrumbsandstirintothefruitmixture,thenbeatintheeggyolks.Pourthemixtureintothegreaseddishandbakeintheovenfor30minutes.
MEANWHILE,INASCRUPULOUSLYcleanbowl,whisktheeggwhitestostiffpeaks.Addhalftheremainingsugarandwhiskuntilthemixtureisthickandshiny.Foldintheremainingsugarwithametalspoonandpilethemeringueontothecookedfruitbase.Returntotheovenandbakeforanother10minutes.Serveimmediately.
Thequinceisalargefruitrelatedtoapplesandpears,whichhasbeenenjoyingrenewedpopularityinrecentyears.Yellowwhenrawandpinkwhencooked,itsseasonisshort(lookforthembetweenOctoberandDecember)andtheyare
morelikelytobefoundatfarmers’marketsthaninyourlocalsupermarket.Thenameofthispuddingcomesfromthebeautifulgoldencolourofthetoasted
meringue.
LordRandall’spuddingCOOKINGTIME1½–2HOURS
SERVES4–6
225g(8oz)driedapricots,chopped225g(8oz)thick-cutSevilleorangemarmalade225g(8oz)plainflour
1tspbicarbonateofsoda225g(8oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)softdarkbrownsugar1largeegg,beaten
90ml(3floz)milkCustard,toserve
LIGHTLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasinandcoverthebottomwithalittleofthechoppedapricotsandmarmalade.Sifttogethertheflourandbicarbonateofsodaintoalargebowl.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Oneatatime,addthebeatenegg,milk,siftedflourandsoda,andremainingapricotstothecreamedmixture,stirringwellaftereachaddition.Beatvigorouslyandfinallymixintherestofthemarmalade.
POURTHEMIXTUREintothegreasedbasinandcoversecurelywithalidorfoil.Steamfor1½–2hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Thisrecipecametous20yearsagoasacompetitionentry,althoughthewinnercouldn’texplainthename,asitwaspasseddownfromherlategrandmother.It’sprobablyinspiredbyaVictorianballad(madepopularbySteeleyeSpaninthe1980s),inwhichLordRandalllamentstohismotherthathe’sbeenpoisonedby‘eelsfriedinapan’(soourpuddingwasn’ttoblame!).Thisisthenameof
oneofourthemedPuddingRooms,whereyoucansleepsoundlyintheknowledgethatLordRandalliswatchingoveryou.
Tutti-fruttipuddingCOOKINGTIME2HOURS
SERVES4–6
2½tbspgoldensyrup120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)castersugarFinelygratedzestandjuiceof1orange
2eggs90g(3oz)self-raisingflour,sifted60g(2oz)breadcrumbs60g(2oz)stonedprunes,finelychopped60g(2oz)driedapricots,finelychopped60g(2oz)redglacécherries,finelychopped30g(1oz)greenglacécherriesorangelica,finelychoppedCustard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasinandcoverthebottomwiththegoldensyrup.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenstirinthegratedorangezest.Beattheeggsandgraduallyaddthemtothemixture.
MIXTHESIFTEDFLOURwiththebreadcrumbsandfoldlightlyintothepuddingmixture.Foldintheprunes,apricots,cherriesandangelica,alongwiththeorangejuice.Stirwellsothattheingredientsarefullyincorporated.Pourintothegreasedbasin,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
PruneandmuscatpuddingsCOOKINGTIME1HOUR5MINUTES
MAKES6
Meltedbutter,forgreasing24pittedprunes(about250g/9oz)375ml(13floz)muscatorport100g(3½oz)castersugar175g(6oz)unsaltedbutter,atroomtemperature100g(3½oz)darkbrownmuscovadosugar2eggs
2tbspmilk85g(3oz)groundalmonds40g(1½oz)plainflour40g(1½oz)self-raisingflour½tspmixedspiceVanillaicecream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Brushsixramekinsorindividual200ml(7floz)puddingbasinswithmeltedbutterandlinethebaseofeachwithacircleofnon-stickbakingparchment.
PLACETHEPRUNES,MUSCATAND250ml(9floz)waterintoalargesaucepanoveramediumheatandbringtoasimmer.Cookfor10minutesoruntiltheprunesaresoft.Liftoutthepruneswithaslottedspoonandplaceinamedium-sizedheatproofbowl.
ADDTHECASTERSUGARtothesaucepanofpruneliquidandcook,stirring,for3minutesoruntilthesugardissolves.Bringtoasimmerandcookfor10minutesoruntilthesyrupthickens–youneedabout190ml(6½floz)syrup.Pourthesyrupovertheprunesinthebowl.
INALARGEMIXINGBOWL,beatthebutterandbrownsugarwithanelectrichandmixeruntilpaleandcreamy.Addtheeggsoneatatime,beatingwellaftereachaddition.Stirinthemilkandfoldinthegroundalmonds,bothtypesofflourandthemixedspiceuntilwellmixed.
PLACEFOURPRUNESinthebottomofeachramekinorbasin,inasinglelayer.Add2teaspoonsofsyruptoeachramekintocovertheprunes.Reserveanyremainingsyrup.Spoonthespongemixtureintotheramekinsandsmooththesurfacewiththebackofthespoon.Covereachramekinwithlightlygreasedfoilandplace
theminaroastingtin.Pourenoughboilingwaterintothetintoreachhalfwayupthesidesoftheramekins.
BAKEFOR40MINUTESoruntilaninsertedskewercomesoutclean.Removetheramekinscarefullyfromtheroastingtinandsetasidefor5minutestocoolslightlybeforeturningthepuddingsoutontoservingplates.Servewithvanillaicecreamanddrizzlethepuddingswithanyremainingsyrup.
ButterscotchtartCOOKINGTIME30–40MINUTES
SERVES8
375g(13oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere),chilled320g(11½oz)unsaltedbutter320g(11½oz)demerarasugar180ml(6½floz)milk
80g(3oz)plainflour,plusextrafordustingColdwhippedcream,toserveROLLOUTTHECHILLEDPASTRYonaflouredsurface,to5mm(¼in)thickness,anduseittolinea30cm(12in)tartdish(seehere).Refrigeratefor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento190°C(400°F),GasMark5andblindbakethepastrycasefor25minutes(seehere).Removefromtheovenandsetaside.
MELTTHEBUTTERINASAUCEPANoveralowheatandmixinthedemerarasugaruntildissolved.Mixalittlemilkwiththeflourtoformapaste;addthisslowlytothebutterandsugarinthepan,alongwiththeremainingmilk.Graduallyheatthemixture,whiskingcontinuouslyuntilthebutterscotchcoatsthebackofaspoon.
POURTHEBUTTERSCOTCHintothecookedpastrycaseandallowtocoolbeforerefrigerating.Servecoldwithcoldwhippedcream.
LimemeringuepieCOOKINGTIME35–45MINUTES
SERVES6–8
375g(13oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere),chilledFlour,fordusting110g(4oz)unsaltedbutterGratedzestof4limesandjuiceof88eggs,separated
4tspcornflour400g(14oz)castersugar
ROLLOUTTHECHILLEDPASTRYonaflouredsurface,to5mm(¼in)thicknessanduseittolinea30cm(12in)tartdish(seehere).Refrigeratefor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento200°C(400°F),GasMark6andblindbakethepastrycasefor20minutes(seehere).Removefromtheovenandsetaside.
TOPREPARETHEFILLING,meltthebutterinasaucepanoveralowheat,addthelimezestandjuiceandgentlyheatthrough.Whisktheeggyolksinabowluntilpaleandcreamy.Slowlyaddthemeltedbutterandlimemixturetotheyolks,whiskingcontinuouslyuntilwellcombined.Pourthemixturebackintothesaucepan.
MIXTHECORNFLOURwithalittlewatertoformapaste,addthistothelimeandyolkmixtureandcontinuetocookoveralowheat,stirringcontinuouslyuntilthemixturethickens.Setasideuntilneeded.
WHISKTHEEGGWHITESinascrupulouslycleanbowluntiltheyformsoftpeaks,thengraduallyaddthecastersugar,whiskinguntilstiffpeaksform.Spoonthelimemixtureintothecookedpastrycaseandtopwiththemeringue.Tobrownthemeringue,youcaneitherplaceintheoven,preheatedto200°C(400°F),GasMark6,for10minutesoruseakitchenblowtorch.
LemoncurdrolypolyCOOKINGTIME1–1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
180g(6½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt90g(3oz)vegetablesuetFinelygratedzestof1unwaxedlemonMilk,tomix450g(1lb)lemoncurd
1tbspcastersugarCustard,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoamixingbowl,thenaddthesuet,lemonzestandenoughmilktomakeadough.Rolloutthedoughonaflouredsurfacetoabout25cm(10in)squareandspreadwiththelemoncurd.DampentheedgesofthedoughwithwaterandrolluplikeaSwissroll.
PLACETHEROLYPOLYINAROASTINGTINandputintheoven,raisingonesideofthetinsothatthepuddingrollstooneend.Thiswillpreventitfromunravelling.Bakeintheovenfor1hour.(Alternatively,wrapinfoiltoholditsshapeandinclingfilmtomakeitwatertight.Steamfor1½hours,thencarefullyremovetheclingfilmandfoil.)Sprinklewiththesugarandservewithcustard.
Makesureyoubuythebestavailablelemoncurd,orbetterstill,makeyourown!
LemonsurprisepuddingCOOKINGTIME45MINUTES
SERVES4
Gratedzestandjuiceof2unwaxedlemons75g(3oz)unsaltedbutter150g(5oz)castersugar
3eggs,separated75g(3oz)self-raisingflour450ml(16floz)milk
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6andthoroughlygreaseadeep,ovenproofbakingdish.Inamixingbowl,beatthelemonzest,butterandsugaruntilpaleandcreamy.Addtheeggyolksandflourandmixwell.Graduallystirinthemilk,alongwith2–3tablespoonsoflemonjuice.
INASCRUPULOUSLYCLEANBOWL,whisktheeggwhitesuntilstiff,thenfoldthemintothepuddingmixturewithametalspoon.Pourthemixtureintothegreaseddish.Standthedishinaroastingtinandpourwaterintothetintoreachhalfwayuptheoutsideofthedish.
BAKEINTHEOVENFORABOUT45minutesuntilthetopissetandspongytothetouch.Thepuddingwillhaveseparatedintoacustardlayerunderneathwithaspongetopping.Serveimmediately.
MillenniumpuddingCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)vegetablesuet480g(1lb1oz)freshpeaches,stonedandchopped
1tbspsoftlightbrownsugarCustard,toserve
Forthelemonsyrup1lemon
1tbspgoldensyrup15g(½oz)unsaltedbutter120g(4oz)softlightbrownsugar
FIRSTMAKETHELEMONSYRUP.Peelthelemonasthinlyaspossibleandsqueezeoutthejuice.Puttherind,juiceandremainingsyrupingredientsintoasaucepan,add200ml(7floz)waterandheatgentlyuntilthesugarhasdissolved.Leavetostanduntilneeded.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5andgreasea1.1-litre(2-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoamixingbowl,thenaddthesuetandmixwithenoughwatertocreateafirmdough.
ROLLOUTTHEDOUGHonaflouredsurfacetoabout25cm(10in)squareand5mm(¼in)thick.Spreadthechoppedpeachesandbrownsugarevenlyoverthesquareandrollup,asyouwouldaSwissroll.Cutinto2.5cm(1in)slicesandarrangeflatinthegreaseddishwiththefruitfacingupwards.
REMOVETHELEMONRINDfromthesyrupandpourthesyrupovertheslicesinthedish.Bakeintheovenfor30minutesoruntilpuffedupandgoldenbrown.Servewithcustard.
ThisrecipewasaPuddingClubinvention,tomarkthebeginningoftheyear2000.Wewantedtocreateabrand-newtwistonthegreatBritishpuddingthat
wouldseeusintothe21stcentury.
OrientalgingerpuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing180g(6½oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt
2tspgroundginger90g(3oz)vegetablesuet45g(1½oz)softdarkbrownsugar45g(1½oz)stemginger,chopped3tbspgoldensyrup,warmed,plusextratoserve1egg,beaten
Custard,toserveLIGHTLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttogethertheflour,saltandgroundgingerintoamixingbowl.Addthesuet,sugarandchoppedstemgingerandmixtocombine,thenaddthewarmedsyrupandbeateneggandmixwell.
POURTHEMIXTUREINTOTHEGREASEDBASIN,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutontoawarmeddishandservewithextrasyrupandcustard.
AnotherofourPuddingRooms,whereyoucansleepunderthewatchfulgazeofafearsomegingerdragon.AlthoughcommonplaceinmanytraditionalBritishrecipes,gingerisfarfromnativetoourshores.ItappearedinBritaininthe1640s,importedfromAsia,butwasquicklyadoptedintoourowncuisine.
PearandgingercharlotteCOOKINGTIME45MINUTES
SERVES6
450g(1lb)Conferencepears,peeled,coredandchopped110g(4oz)unsaltedbutter
1tbspcastersugar6medium-thicknessslicesofbread,crustsremoved20g(¾oz)stemginger,chopped
1eggyolkCreamoricecream,toserve
PLACETHECHOPPEDPEARSinasaucepanwith25g(1oz)ofthebutterandthetablespoonofsugar.Cookoveralowheatuntilsoftandbrokendown.Removefromtheheatandpuréethepearsinthepanwithahandblender.Leavetocool.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Melttheremaining85g(3oz)ofbutterinasmallsaucepan,thenbrushitoveronesideofeachbreadslice,makingsurethebreadiswellcovered.Cutintorectanglesandusemostofthemtolinea20–25cm(8–10in)puddingbasinorroundcaketin,12cm(4½in)indepth,placingthepiecesbuttered-sidedownandslightlyoverlapping(reservealittlebreadforthetop).Pressthemonfirmly.
WHENTHEPEARPURÉEISCOOL,addthechoppedstemgingerandwhiskintheeggyolk,thenpourthemixtureintothebread-linedbasin.Coverwiththeremainingslicedbread,butter-sideup,andpressdownfirmly.Bakeintheovenfor45minutes,untilgoldenbrown.Removefromtheovenandcarefullyturnoutontoawarmplate.Servewithcreamoricecream.
CoconutricepuddingCOOKINGTIME1–1½HOURS
SERVES4
60g(2oz)puddingrice25g(1oz)goldencastersugar300ml(11floz)skimmedmilk300ml(11floz)coconutmilkFreshraspberries,toserve(optional)PREHEATTHEOVENTO150°C(300°F),GasMark2.Puttherice,sugar,milkandcoconutmilkintoanon-sticksaucepanandgentlybringtotheboil,stirringoccasionallysothatthemixturedoesn’tsticktothepan.
POURINTOANOVENPROOFBAKINGDISHwithalidandbakeinthecentreoftheovenfor1–1½hours,untilcreamy.Servewithfreshraspberries(wheninseason).
WHYNOTTRY…?Thisisparticularlydeliciouswhenservedwithapuréeoffreshmango.
BlackcurrantandmintpieCOOKINGTIME35–40MINUTES
SERVES6
450g(1lb)blackcurrants,toppedandtailed2½tspfinelychoppedmint110g(4oz)castersugar,plusextraforsprinkling225g(8oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere)Plainflour,fordusting
Cream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6.Washtheblackcurrantsinacolanderandrinseseveraltimesunderrunningwater.Drainthoroughlyandputtheminashallow18–20cm(7–8in)piedishortin.Mixthechoppedmintwiththesugaranddistributeevenlyovertheblackcurrants.
ROLLOUTTHESHORTCRUSTPASTRYonaflouredsurfacetoathicknessof5mm(¼in).Coverthefillingwiththepastry,pressingitontotheedgesofthepiedishanddecoratingthetopwithpastryleavesorflowersmadefromthetrimmings.Withasharpknife,cutaslitinthecentreofthepastrytoptoallowsteamtoescapeduringcooking.
BRUSHTHEPASTRYWITHWATERandsprinklewithalittleextracastersugar.Bakethepieonthemiddleshelfoftheovenfor35–40minutesoruntilgolden.Servethepiecoldwithfreshcream.
BlackberryEtonmessCOOKINGTIME1HOUR
SERVES6
3largeeggwhites175g(6oz)goldencastersugar575ml(1pint)doubleorwhippingcream450g(1lb)freshblackberries(orfrozen)
1tbspicingsugarPREHEATTHEOVENtoaverylowsetting:approx.130–140°C(250–275°F),GasMark½–1.Lineaflatbakingsheetwithnon-stickbakingparchment.Tomakethemeringue,placetheeggwhitesinascrupulouslycleanbowlandwhiskuntiltheyformsoftpeaks.Addthecastersugargradually,aspoonfulatatime,whiskingwellbetweeneachadditionuntilthesugaristhoroughlyincorporated.
SPOONTHEMERINGUEontotheparchmentandspreadoutuntilabout2cm(¾in)thick.Placethebakingsheetintheovenforapproximately1hour,thenturnofftheheatandleavethemeringueinsidetheoventodryout,untilcold.Themeringuecanthenbeusedimmediatelyorstoredinanairtightcontaineruntilneeded.
BREAKUPTHEMERINGUEINTO2cm(¾in)pieces.Inalargebowl,whipthecreamuntilsloppy.Inanotherbowl,mixtheblackberrieswiththeicingsugar.Combineallthreeingredients–themeringuepieces,creamandblackberries–andspoonintoglassbowls.Servechilled.
Ifyoupreferalesssweetversionofthis,youcanuseextra-thicknaturalyoghurtinsteadofwhippedcream.
RhubarbandorangebrownBettyCOOKINGTIME30–40MINUTES
SERVES6
600g(1lb5oz)choppedrhubarb20g(¾oz)castersugarGratedzestandjuiceof2oranges25g(1oz)demerarasugar200g(7oz)crushedsweetbiscuits(digestivesorsimilar)50g(2oz)breadcrumbs
50g(2oz)flakedorchoppednuts50g(2oz)unsaltedbutterCreamoricecream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO175°C(340°F),GasMark3–4.Mixtogetherthechoppedrhubarb,castersugar,orangejuiceandhalfthezest,andplaceinashallow,20cm(8in)square,ovenproofbakingdish.Combinethedemerarasugarwiththecrushedbiscuits,breadcrumbsandnutsandspreadthisovertherhubarbmix.
PLACESMALLPIECESOFBUTTERacrossthetopofthecrumbmix.Bakeintheovenfor30–40minutesuntiltherhubarbistenderandcookedthroughandthecrumbtoppingiscrispandbrown.Servewithcreamoricecream.
RhubarbrouladeCOOKINGTIME45–60MINUTES
SERVES6–8
4eggwhites325g(11½oz)castersugar
1tspvanillaessence1tspwhitewineormaltvinegar
1tspcornflour500g(1lb2oz)trimmedrhubarb,choppedinto3–5cm(1–2in)pieces
3gelatineleaves375ml(13floz)doublecream,plusoptionalextratoserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO160°C(325°F),GasMark3.Covera25cm(10in)squarebakingsheetwithnon-stickbakingparchment.Inascrupulouslycleanbowl,whisktheeggwhitesuntiltheyformsoftpeaks,thenslowlyadd200g(7oz)ofthesugarwhilestillwhisking.Addthevanillaessence,vinegarandcornflourandwhiskuntilthemixtureisstiff.
SPREADTHEMERINGUEMIXEVENLYacrossthelinedbakingsheetandbakefor25minutes.Removefromtheovenandallowtocoolbeforecarefullyremovingthesoftmeringuefromtheparchment.
WHILETHEMERINGUEISCOOKING,placethechoppedrhubarbinamediumsaucepanwiththeremaining125g(4½oz)ofthesugar.Cookoveramedium–highheatforabout15minutesuntiltherhubarbiscookedandhasbrokendown.Discardtheliquidandallowtherhubarbtocool.
SOAKTHEGELATINELEAVESincoldwateruntilsoft.Removethesoftenedleavesfromthewaterandplaceinasmallsaucepanwith125ml(4½floz)ofthecream.Heatgentlytodissolvethegelatine,thenremovefromtheheatandallowthistocoolforafewminutes.Whiptheremainingcreamtosoftpeaks.
MIXTHETWOCREAMSTOGETHERandcarefullyfoldintherhubarb.Refrigeratethemixtureuntilithasbeguntostiffen.SpreaditevenlyoverthemeringueandcarefullyrolluplikeaSwissroll.
TOSERVE,sliceandenjoyonitsownorwithcream.
GooseberryandelderflowerfoolCOOKINGTIME20–30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
450g(1lb)gooseberries,toppedandtailed60g(2oz)granulatedsugar
10elderflowerheads1thickstripofparedlemonrind300ml(11floz)crèmefraîche
PUTTHEGOOSEBERRIESANDSUGARinalargesaucepanwith4tablespoonsofwaterandbringtotheboil.Simmergentlyuntilthefruitstartstosoften.
SETASIDEAFEWELDERFLOWERStouseasagarnish,thentietheremainingelderflowerheadsinamuslinbagwiththepieceoflemonrind.Addthistothepanandcontinuetosimmergentlyforafurther15minutes.
REMOVETHEELDERFLOWERBAGfromthepan,squeezingallofitsjuicesintothemixture.Useaforktoroughlymashthegooseberrymixture.Setasidetocool.
DIVIDEABOUTONEQUARTERofthegooseberrypuréeamongservingglasses.Foldthecrèmefraîcheintotheremaininggooseberrypuréeandaddthistotheglasses.Garnisheachglasswiththereservedelderflowers.
GreengageflapjackCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
500g(1lb2oz)greengages,stonedandhalved75g(3oz)castersugar90g(3oz)unsaltedbutter90g(3oz)softlightbrownsugar
1tbspgoldensyrup120g(4oz)porridgeoatsCustardorcream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Placethegreengagehalvesinashallow,ovenproofbakingdishandsprinklewiththecastersugar.
PUTTHEBUTTER,BROWNSUGARandgoldensyrupinasaucepanandmeltoveragentleheat.Stirintheoats.Spreadthismixtureoverthegreengagesandbakeintheovenfor30minutesuntiltheflapjackisbrownandcrispontop.Servewithcustardorcream.
Ifyoucan’tfindgreengages,substitutewithanothertartfruit–damsonsworkwell,asdogooseberries.
CHOCOHOLICS&NUTCASES
CHAPTER6
Definitelythemostindulgentchapterinthisbook,thesepuddingsfitthebillwhensomethingabitspecialiscalledfor.Certaintreatsherewillgodownverywellwithkidsandadultsalike,suchasoursquidgychocolatepudding,oozingwithchocolatesauce;whilstthemore
sophisticatedhazelnutrouladeordarkchocolatepavéwillwowyourdinner-partyguests.Meanwhile,chocoholicswilldelightin
discoveringwaystointroducechocolateintootherBritishclassics,suchaschocolatebreadandbutterpuddingandawhitechocolateand
raspberrytrifle.
Chocoholics&Nutcases
ChestnutandchocolatepuddingVerychocolatepuddingSquidgychocolatepuddingsPruneandchocolatepuddingMarbledpuddingChocolatebreadandbutterpuddingHotmochapuddingWhitechocolateandraspberrytrifleChocolatemousseDarkchocolatepavéPecan,cinnamonandmaplesyruppuddingWalnutandapplespongepuddingWalnutandtoffeetartMaple,walnutandbananapuddingDateandwalnutpuddingHazelnutroulade
ChestnutandchocolatepuddingCOOKINGTIME2–2½HOURS
SERVES6
225g(8oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing100g(3½oz)darkchocolate,minimum50%cocoasolids,brokenup225g(8oz)self-raisingflour
5tbspcocoapowder4eggs,beaten225g(8oz)goldencastersugar180g(6½oz)cooked,peeledsweetchestnuts,chopped½tspvanillaessence
Chocolatesauce(seehere),toserveCreamorvanillaicecream,toserveLIGHTLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Putthebutteranddarkchocolateinasaucepanandmeltoveralowheat.Sifttheflourandcocoapowdertogetherintoabowl,thenaddtothemeltedchocolate.Stirinthebeateneggs,sugar,chestnutsandvanillaessenceandmixwell.
POURTHEPUDDINGMIXTUREintothegreasedbasin.Coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor2–2½hours.Turnoutontoaplateandservewithextrachocolatesauce,andcreamorvanillaicecream.
It’simportanttousegood-qualityhigh-cocoacontentchocolatetogivethispuddingarich,deepflavour.
VerychocolatepuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)castersugar200g(7oz)self-raisingflour
5tbspcocoapowder3eggs,beaten60g(2oz)chocolatechipsCustardandchocolatesauce(seehere),toserveForthechocolatesauce170g(6oz)chocolate,50%cocoasolids,brokenup2–3tspcastersugar
125ml(4½floz)doublecreamGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Sifttheflourandcocoatogetherintoaseparatebowl,thenaddtothecreamedmixturealittleatatime,alternatingwiththebeatenegg,andbeatingwellaftereachaddition.Finally,stirinhalfthechocolatechips.
COVERTHEBASEOFTHEGREASEDBASINwiththeremainingchocolatechips,thenpourthespongemixtureontop.Coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.
TOMAKETHESAUCEplacealltheingredientsinasaucepanoveralowheatuntilthechocolatehasmeltedandthesugarhasdissolved.Mixwelltogetherandremovefromtheheat.Turnthepuddingoutontoaplateandservewithcustardandthechocolatesauce.
Thischocolatesauceisveryrich,soalittlegoesalongway.Ifyoupreferitalittlesweeter,addthethirdteaspoonofsugar(youcanwaittotastethesaucebeforechoosingwhetherornottoaddthis,butmakesuretogiveitenoughextratimeovertheheatfortheadditionalsugartodissolve).Anyleftoverscanbefrozenforupto2monthsinasealedrigidcontainer.Defrostatroom
temperaturefor2–3hoursorovernightinthefridge.
SquidgychocolatepuddingsCOOKINGTIME45–60MINUTES
MAKES8
340g(12oz)unsaltedbutter,softened340g(12oz)softlightbrownsugar6eggs,beaten
280g(10oz)self-raisingflour70g(2½oz)cocoapowderExtrachocolatetopping(seehere)toserveCreamorvanillaicecream,toserveForthechocolatetopping170g(6oz)chocolate,70%cocoasolids
2tspcastersugar125ml(4½floz)doublecream
PLACEALLTHETOPPINGINGREDIENTSinasaucepanoveralowheatuntilthechocolatehasmeltedandthesugarhasdissolved.Mixwellandremovefromtheheat.
GREASEEIGHT200ml(7floz)puddingbasins.Inamixingbowl,creamthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Addthebeateneggstothemixture–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Sifttheremainingflourandcocoapowdertogetherintoaseparatebowl,thenfoldthemintothecreamedmixture,stirringwelltoincorporate.Addalittlewaterifthemixtureseemsdry.
PLACEABOUT1HEAPEDTABLESPOONofthechocolatetoppingintoeach200ml(7floz)puddingbasin.Dividethespongemixevenlybetweenthebasinsandsealwithalidorfoil.Steamfor45–60minutes.Servewithextrachocolatetopping,andcreamorvanillaicecream.
Thismuch-lovedpuddingwastheinspirationforourChocolateSuite,themostluxuriousandpopularofourthemedPuddingRooms.Whereelsecanyousleep
inaboxofchocolates?
PruneandchocolatepuddingCOOKINGTIME50–60MINUTES
SERVES6
60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,softened150g(5oz)castersugar
1egg,beaten150g(5oz)self-raisingflour75g(3oz)cocoapowder200g(7oz)chopped,pittedprunes120ml(4floz)milkVanillaicecreamorwhippedcream,toserveForthesauce
100g(3½oz)darkchocolate,50%cocoasolids50g(2oz)castersugar
PREHEATTHEOVENTO170°C(325°F),GasMark3.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallymixintheegg,thenbeatuntilwellcombined.Sifttheflourandcocoatogetherandfoldintothemixture,thenaddthechoppedprunesandmilkandmixwell.
TOMAKETHESAUCE,heatthechocolate,sugarand240ml(8½floz)waterinasaucepanoveralowheatuntilthechocolatehasmelted.Pourthesauceintoadeep,1.1-litre(2-pint),ovenproofbakingdish,pourthespongemixtureontopandlevelout.Bakeintheovenfor50–60minutes.Servehotwithvanillaicecreamorwhippedcream.
MarbledpuddingCOOKINGTIME1½–2HOURS
SERVES4–6
150g(5oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt100g(3½oz)unsaltedbutterormargarine,softened,plusextraforgreasing100g(3½oz)castersugar2eggs,beatenMilk,tomix
Gratedzestof1unwaxedlemon
2tbspgood-qualitycocoapowderChocolatesauce(seehere)orcustard,toserve
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttheflourandsaltintoabowl.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenaddtheeggalittleatatime,beatingwellaftereachaddition.Foldinhalftheflourwithametalspoon,thenrepeatwiththerest.Addmilkalittleatatimeuntilasoftdroppingconsistencyisreached.
DIVIDETHEMIXTUREINTOTWOBOWLSandaddthelemonzesttoonebowl,stirringitinwell.Mixthecocoapowderwithalittlewatertoformapaste,andaddthispastetotheotherbowlofmixture,againstirringinwell.
PUTALTERNATESPOONFULSOFEACHMIXTUREintothegreasedbasintogiveamarbledeffect.Coverwithalidoradoublelayeroffoilandsteamfor1½–2hours.Servehotwithchocolatesauceorcustard.
VariationForamorecolourfulpudding,theplainmixturecanbetintedwithafewdropsofpinkorredfoodcolouringandflavouredwithalmondessenceinsteadoflemonzest.
ChocolatebreadandbutterpuddingCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
12slicesofwhitebread120–180g(4–6½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasingFinelygratedzestandjuiceof1orange300g(11oz)darkchocolate,55–70%cocoasolids
3eggs600ml(1pint)milk90g(3oz)castersugarCocoapowder,todustCustard,toserve
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.Removethecrustsfromthebreadandbuttertheslicesononeside.Linethebottomandsidesofthedishwithsomeofthebread,butter-sideup,andsprinklewithhalftheorangejuiceandzest.
BREAKTHECHOCOLATEINTOSMALLPIECESandsprinklehalfofitacrossthebread,thencoverwithanotherlayerofbread(againbutter-sideup),theremainingchocolate,juiceandzestandfinallytherestofthebread.
BEATTHEEGGSWELLandmixwiththemilkandsugar;pourthismixtureoverthebread.Leavetosoakfor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento200°C(400°F),GasMark6andbakefor30minutesoruntilset.Dustwithcocoapowderandservehotwithcustard.
HotmochapuddingCOOKINGTIME1HOUR
SERVES4–6
110g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing50g(2oz)darkbrownsugar
2eggs75g(3oz)self-raisingflour
1tbspcocoapowderCream,toserve
Forthemochasauce180g(6½oz)darkmuscovadosugar
2tbspcocoapowder225ml(8floz)milk
4tbspTiaMariaPREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreasea1.1-litre(2-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.Inamixingbowl,beattogetherthebutter,sugar,eggs,flourandcocoapowderuntillightandfluffy.Spoonthemixtureintothegreaseddish.
COMBINETHESUGARANDCOCOAPOWDERforthesauceandsprinkleoverthetopof
themixtureinthedish.MixthemilkandTiaMariatogetherandpourthisoverthetopofthecocoaandsugar:donotstirin.Bakeforapproximately1houruntilthespongeiscookedthrough.Servewithcream.
ArecentadditiontotheEnglishlanguage,theword‘mocha’describesanycombinationofchocolateandcoffee.ItderivesfromthetownofMocha,in
Yemen,whichwasamajortradingcentreforcoffeebeansbetweenthe15thand17thcenturies.Mochabeansarestillavailabletodayandprizedfortheir
distinctiveflavour.
WhitechocolateandraspberrytrifleCOOKINGTIME5MINUTES
SERVES6–8
2Swissrolls(store-boughtorseehere)650g(1lb7oz)raspberries
1tbspkirsch450g(1lb)mascarponecheese300ml(11floz)doublecream200g(7oz)whitechocolateCUTTHESWISSROLLSINTOSLICESabout1cm(½in)thick.Usethesetolinethebottomandsidesofalargeglassservingdish.
PUTTHERASPBERRIESINABOWLandpourthekirschoverthem.Withaspoon,lightlypressthefruittoextractsomejuice.SpoonhalfoftheraspberriesandallofthejuiceandkirschovertheSwissrollinthedish.Putinthefridgefor30minutesuntilthejuicesaresoakedup.
MEANWHILE,COMBINETHEMASCARPONEandcreaminamixingbowlandbeatuntilcompletelycombined.Breakthreequartersofthechocolateintosmallpiecesandplaceinasmallheatproofbowloverasaucepanofsimmeringwater,ensuringthebowldoesn’ttouchthewater.Stiruntilthechocolateisjustmeltedandsmooth.
SPOONHALFOFTHEMELTEDCHOCOLATEovertheraspberriesandSwissrollinthedishandmixtheotherhalfwiththemascarponeandcream.Addthemascarponecreamandremainingraspberriestothetrifleinlayers,finishingwithatoplayerofthecream.Gratetheremainingchocolateoverthetop.Refrigeratefor30minutesbeforeserving.
DarkchocolatepavéCOOKINGTIME15–20MINUTES
SERVES12
1.5litres(2½pints)doublecream350g(12oz)darkchocolate,55–70%cocoasolids
3gelatineleavesSoftredberriesand/ormintleaves,todecorate
LINEA1.5-LITRE(2½-pint)terrinemouldwithclingfilm.Setaside150ml(5floz)ofthedoublecream.Whiptherestofthecreamtosoftpeaks.
MELTTHECHOCOLATEinaheatproofbowlsetoverasaucepanofsimmeringwater,ensuringthatthebottomofthebowldoesn’ttouchthewater.Meanwhile,soakthegelatineleavesincoldwateruntilsoft.Removefromthewaterandputinasmallsaucepanwiththereservedcream.Heatgentlyuntilthegelatinehasdissolved.
FOLDTHEWHIPPEDCREAMintothemeltedchocolate,thenaddthewarmcreamandgelatinemixture,foldingitingently.Pourthemixtureintothelinedmouldandrefrigeratefor2hoursoruntilset.Toserve,turnoutofthemouldontoaboardorcoldplate.Sliceanddecoratewiththeberriesand/ormintleaves.
Pecan,cinnamonandmaplesyruppudding
COOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES6
50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing75g(3oz)softdarkbrownsugar
1tbspmaplesyrup1egg,beaten100g(3½oz)self-raisingflour
1tspgroundcinnamon3tbspmilk,ifrequired50g(2oz)pecannuts,choppedCustardorcream,toserveForthemaplesauce
25g(1oz)unsaltedbutter
5tspdoublecream40g(1½oz)maplesyrup
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Tomakethemaplesauce,putthebutter,doublecreamandmaplesyrupinasaucepan.Mixoveralowheatuntilcombined,thenbringtotheboilandsimmerfor2minutes.Pourthesauceintothebottomofthegreasedbasin.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenaddthemaplesyrup.Graduallyaddthebeatenegg,justalittleatatime,then
foldintheflourandcinnamon.Ifnecessary,addmilkuntilthemixturereachesadroppingconsistency.Finally,stirinthechoppedpecannuts.
SPOONTHEMIXTUREontopofthesauceinthepuddingbasin.Sealwithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutandservewithcustardorcream.
WalnutandapplespongepuddingCOOKINGTIME45–50MINUTES
SERVES6
175ml(6floz)milk2tspvanillaessence2tbspcornflour
3eggs200g(7oz)softlightbrownsugar
5tbspbrandy3eatingapples,peeled,coredandsliced75g(3oz)shelledwalnuts,chopped75g(3oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing125g(4½oz)plainflour1½tspbakingpowderWhippedcreamorGreekyoghurt,toserveCOMBINETHEMILK,vanillaessence,cornflour,oneeggand50g(2oz)ofthesugarinasaucepanandwhiskoveragentleheatuntilthemixturethickensintocustard.Pourintoabowlandsetasidetocool.
PUT50g(2oz)ofthesugarintoafryingpan,alongwiththebrandyand5tablespoonsofwater.Addtheapplesandwalnutsandcookoverahighheatuntiltheliquidevaporates.Setasidetocool.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreaseadeep,1.5-litre(2½-pint),ovenproofbakingdish.Inamixingbowl,beattheremaining100g(3½oz)ofsugarwiththebutteruntilpaleandfluffy,thenaddthetworemainingeggsandmixtoincorporate.Addtheflourandbakingpowderandmixwell.
CHOPUPTHESETCUSTARDandfoldintothespongemixture,thenpourintothegreaseddishandspreadtheappleandwalnutmixoverthetop,pressingthefruitandnutsintothepuddingmixture.Bakefor45–50minutes,thenservewarm,withwhippedcreamorGreekyoghurt.
WalnutandtoffeetartCOOKINGTIME55MINUTES
SERVES6
375g(13oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere),chilled250g(9oz)castersugar300ml(11floz)whippingcream180g(6½oz)walnuts
Icecreamorwhippedcream,toserveROLLOUTTHECHILLEDPASTRYonaflouredsurface,to5mm(¼in)thickness,anduseittolinea30cm(12in)tartdish(seehere).Refrigeratethelineddishfor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento190°C(400°F),GasMark5andblindbakethepastrycasefor25minutes(seehere).
WHILETHEPASTRYISCOOKING,putthesugarandcreaminasaucepanandheatgentlyuntilthesugarhasdissolved.Bringtotheboilandremoveimmediatelyfromtheheat.Stirinthewalnuts.
REMOVETHEPASTRYCASEFROMTHEOVEN,andturndownthetemperatureto190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Pourthewalnutfillingintothecookedcase,returntotheovenandbakeforafurther35minutes.Removefromtheovenandleavetocool,thenrefrigerateandservecoldwithicecreamorwhippedcream.
Maple,walnutandbananapuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing70g(2½oz)choppedwalnuts110ml(4floz)maplesyrup2mediumor1largeripebanana(s)175g(6oz)self-raisingflour75g(3oz)vegetablesuet90g(3oz)castersugar
1egg,beaten70ml(2½floz)milkCustard,toserve
THOROUGHLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasinandputhalfofthewalnutsintothebottomwithjustenoughofthemaplesyruptocoverthem.
PEELANDSLICETHEBANANAandmixwiththeflour,suet,sugarandremainingwalnuts.Addthebeatenegg,milkandremainingmaplesyrupandmixtoasoftdroppingconsistency.
POURTHEMIXTUREOVERTHEWALNUTSandsyrupinthebasinandcoverwithalidorfoil.Steamfor1½hours,toppingupthewaterasnecessary.Servewithcustard.
ThisunusualcombinationofflavoursoftencausesconsternationamongstPuddingClubguests,butitiswonderfullysuccessfulandtheyarealways
silencedafterthefirstmouthful.
DateandwalnutpuddingCOOKINGTIME1½–2HOURS
SERVES6
Butter,forgreasing175g(6oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt75g(3oz)shreddedsuet50g(2oz)castersugar50g(2oz)choppeddates50g(2oz)choppedwalnutsGratedzestof1unwaxedlemonApprox.150ml(5floz)milkCustardortoffeesauce(seehere),toserveGREASEA1.1LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Inamixingbowl,combinetheflour,salt,suet,sugar,dates,walnutsandlemonzest.Makeawellinthecentreandaddenoughmilktoreachadroppingconsistency.
POURTHEMIXTUREINTOTHEGREASEDBASINandsmooththesurface.Coverthebasinwithalidordoublelayeroffoil.Steamfor1½–2hours,toppingupthewaterasnecessary.Servewarmwithcustardorwithalittletoffeesauce.
WHYNOTTRY…?Whilecustardistheobviousoptionhere,thispuddingisparticularlydelicious
servedwithalittlestickytoffeesauce(seehere).
HazelnutrouladeCOOKINGTIME45–60MINUTES
SERVES6–8
4eggwhites200g(7oz)castersugar1tspvanillaessence
1tspcornflour1tspwhitewineormaltvinegar
3gelatineleaves375ml(13floz)doublecream,plusextratoserve100g(3½oz)pralinepaste/hazelnutpurée(seetiphere)PREHEATTHEOVENTO160°C(325°F),GasMark3.Whisktheeggwhitesinalarge,scrupulouslycleanbowluntiltheyformsoftpeaks,thengraduallyaddthesugar,continuingtowhiskasyoudoso.Addthevanillaessence,cornflourandvinegarandwhiskuntilthemixtureisstiff.
LINEABAKINGTRAYwithnon-stickbakingparchmentandspreadthemeringuemixevenlyintoasquareofapproximately25cm(10in).Cookintheovenfor25minutes,thenremovefromtheovenandallowtocoolbeforecarefullyremovingthesoftmeringuefromtheparchment.
SOAKTHEGELATINELEAVESincoldwateruntilsoft.Removefromthewater,andputinasmallsaucepanwith125ml(4½floz)ofthecream.Heatgentlytodissolvethegelatine.Whiptheremainingcreamtosoftpeaks.
MIXTHETWOCREAMSTOGETHERandcarefullyfoldinthepralinepaste.
Refrigeratethemixtureuntilithasbeguntostiffen,thenspreadevenlyoverthemeringueandcarefullyrolluplikeaSwissroll.Sliceandservewithalittlecream.
Ifyou’restrugglingtofindthehazelnutorpralinepasteusedinthisrecipe,lookforabrandcalledCallebaut,whichcanbefoundinsomedelicatessensor
boughtonline.
SUMMERPUDDINGS
CHAPTER7
Perfectforwarm,sunnydays,thisselectionofgorgeousrecipesmakesthemostoffreshsummerflavours,includingapricots,cherries,gooseberries,peachesandelderflowers.Getthatholidayfeelingwithafloatingisland,refreshyourguestswithasmoothlemonposset,ortryyourhandattheworld-famouspeachMelba.Andthere’scertainly
noneedtoshunhotpuddingsatthistimeofyear;thischaptersuggestslighter,sponge-basedoptionsandrefreshinglysharpfruitbakesthataredeliciousattheendofabarbecueoralfrescosupper.
SummerPuddings
PeachMelbaBakedpeachesApricotandalmondpuddingsApricottansyApricotturnoversAppleandapricotlayerpuddingHolidaypuddingPlumandcinnamoncobblerSteamedplumspongeBlackcurrantandlemonspongepuddingGooseberryandalmondpuddingGooseberryandorangepuddingGooseberryandelderflowercrumbleGooseberryandelderflowerlayerpuddingLemonpossetLemonlayerpuddingRaspberry,appleandalmondcrumbleBlackberrycharlotteLatticecherrypieFloatingisland
PeachMelbaCOOKINGTIME20–30MINUTES
SERVES6
3tbspcastersugar
6ripepeaches375g(13oz)raspberriesGood-qualityvanillaicecream,toserve
PLACE600ml(1pint)waterinasaucepan,addthecastersugarandheattoagentlesimmer.Addthewholepeachestothepanandpoachuntiltender,overalowheat,for15–20minutes.Removethepeachesfromtheliquidandleavetocool.Keepsomeofthepoachingliquortouselater.
ONCETHEPEACHESARECOOL,cutinhalfandremovethestones.Youcanalsoskinthem,ifyouwish.Puttheraspberriesinablenderwith1–2tablespoonsofthepoachingliquorandblitztoapurée.Pushthepuréethroughasievetoremovetheseeds.
TOSERVE,PLACEASCOOPofvanillaicecreamintoeachsmallservingbowl,addtwopoachedpeachhalvesandspoonsomeraspberrypuréeoverthetop.
VariationTryusingfreshblackcurrantstomakethepurée,insteadofraspberries.Theblackcurrantswillneedtobecookedgentlybeforeyoublendthem.
Thissimplebutdeliciousdessertwasinventedbytheworld-famouschefEscoffier,inhonourofAustraliansopranoDameNellieMelba,whenshevisitedtheSavoyinthelate19thcentury.Icecreamwasstillanexoticnewarrivalin
Britainatthetime.
BakedpeachesCOOKINGTIME20–30MINUTES
SERVES4
15g(½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing1tbspcastersugar
1eggyolk50g(2oz)amarettiorratafiabiscuits,crumbled
4largeripepeachesornectarinesCreamoricecream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andlightlygreaseanovenproofbakingdish.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Addtheeggyolkandstirinthecrumbledbiscuits.
IFYOUAREUSINGPEACHES(noneedifusingnectarines),placetheminasaucepanandcoverwithboilingwater.Leavefor2–3minutes,thendrainthewaterandpeelofftheskins.Halvethepeachesornectarinesandremovethestones.Enlargethecavitiesbyscoopingoutsomeofthefleshwithateaspoonandaddingthepulptothebiscuitmixture.
PILETHEBISCUITSTUFFINGintothepeachhalvesandarrangeinthebakingdish.Bakeintheovenfor20–30minutesuntilthepeachesaresoftbutstillholdingtheirshape.Servewarmwithcreamoricecream.
ApricotandalmondpuddingsCOOKINGTIME15MINUTES
MAKES8
100g(3½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing100g(3½oz)castersugar
2eggs100g(3½oz)self-raisingflour
1tspalmondessence50g(2oz)groundalmonds240g(8½oz)stoned,dicedfreshapricots(orcookeddriedapricots)40ml(1½floz)goldensyrupCustardoricecream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreaseeight200ml(7floz)puddingbasins.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Addtheeggsgradually–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Addthealmondessence,thenfoldintheremainingflourandgroundalmonds.
PLACE30g(1oz)oftheapricotsandabout1teaspoonofthesyrupinthebottomofeachgreasedbasin.Dividethespongemixtureevenlybetweenthebasinsandcoverwithlidsorfoil.Bakeforapproximately15minutes,untilfirmtothetouchandgoldenbrown.Servewithcustardoricecream.
ApricottansyCOOKINGTIME10MINUTES
SERVES4–6
50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter450g(1lb)fresh,ripeapricots,stonedandquartered75g(3oz)castersugar,plusextraforserving4eggs,plus2yolks
2tbspdoublecream75g(3oz)finewhitebreadcrumbsPinchofgroundnutmegCream,toserve
MELT35g(1½oz)ofthebutterinaheavy-basedfryingpanoveragentleheat.Addtheapricotsandsprinklewith50g(2oz)ofthesugar.Cookgentlyuntilsoftenedbutnotcoloured.
BEATTOGETHERTHEWHOLEEGGS,eggyolks,cream,breadcrumbs,nutmegandtheremaining25g(1oz)ofsugar.Pourthisovertheapricotsinthepan,stirringtogetherintoonethicklayer.Cookgentlyuntilgoldenbrownunderneath.Turnoutontoaplate.
MELTTHEREMAININGBUTTERinthepanandcarefullyslidethetansybackintothepantocooktheothersideuntilgoldenbrown.Turnoutontoawarmplateandsprinklewiththeextrasugar.Servewithcream.
Notunlikeasweetomelette,atansywouldoncehavebeenflavouredwiththebittersweetjuiceofthetansyplant,aherbthatisthesedaysallbutforgotten.
ApricotturnoversCOOKINGTIME30–35MINUTES
SERVES6
450g(1lb)fresh,ripeapricots,stonedandquarteredJuiceof1lemon¼tspgroundcinnamon75g(3oz)castersugar450g(1lb)puffpastryFlour,fordusting
1eggVanillaicecream,toserve
PUTTHEAPRICOTSINASAUCEPANwiththelemonjuice,cinnamon,50g(2oz)ofthesugarand1tablespoonofwater.Heatgentlyuntilthefruithassoftened,stirringoccasionally,thenremovefromtheheatandleavetocooltoroomtemperature.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Rolloutthepuffpastryonaflouredsurface,andcutoutsix15cm(6in)squares.Place3tablespoonsofthefruitmixtureintothecentreofeachsquare.Beattheeggwithalittlewater,andbrushsomeoftheeggmixtureontotheedgesofthepastry.Foldthepastryovertoformtrianglesandpressfirmlytoseal.
BRUSHTHETOPOFTHETRIANGLESwithmoreoftheeggmixtureandsprinklewiththeremainingcastersugar.Bakefor20–25minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Servewithvanillaicecream.
AppleandapricotlayerpuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
2mediumeatingapples160g(5½oz)goldensyrup90g(3oz)raisins300g(11oz)choppeddriedapricots
1tspmixedspiceButter,forgreasingCustard,toserve
Forthesuetpastry240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,sifted,plusextrafordusting110g(4oz)vegetablesuet30g(1oz)castersugar160ml(5½floz)milkTOMAKETHESUETPASTRY,mixtheingredientsinalargebowlandbringthedoughtogetherwithyourhands.Rolloutonaflouredsurfaceandcutoutfourcircles,graduatinginsizetofita1.1-litre(2-pint)puddingbasin.
PEELANDCORETHEAPPLESandchopintosmallpieces.Warmthegoldensyrupinasmallsaucepanorthemicrowave,thenmixwiththeapples,raisins,apricotsandmixedspice.
GREASETHEBASINandputthesmallestpastrycircleinthebase.Topwithalayerofthefruitmixture.Addthenextcircleofpastryandrepeatthelayers,untilyoufinishwiththelargestcircleofpastry.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
HolidaypuddingCOOKINGTIME2HOURS
SERVES6
2tbspgoldensyrup1×225gtinofpineapplerings,drained60g(2oz)glacécherries120g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)castersugar2largeeggs,beaten
90g(3oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt60g(2oz)breadcrumbs60g(2oz)raisins30g(1oz)choppedmixedcandiedpeel30g(1oz)choppedwalnutsCustard,toserveGREASEA1.5-LITRE(2½-pint)puddingbasinandlinethebasewithacircleofgreaseproofpaper.Putthegoldensyrupintothebasinandarrangeonedrainedpineappleringinthebottomwithacherryinthecentre.Cuttworingsinhalfandarrangethesehalvesaroundthefirstring.Putacherryineachhole.Choptheremainingpineappleringsandglacécherries.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenaddthebeateneggs.Sifttheflourandsaltintoaseparatebowlandaddtothecreamedmixturealongwiththebreadcrumbs.Mixwelltoincorporate,thenstirinalltheraisins,peelandnuts.
PILETHEMIXTUREONTOPofthearrangedfruit.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
There’sabrightandcheerfultropicaltreatwaitingtoberevealedwhenyouturnthispuddingout.
SteamedplumspongeCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
1kg(2lb2oz)freshplums230g(10oz)castersugar170g(6oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing
3eggs,beaten170g(6oz)self-raisingflour,sifted50ml(2floz)plumbrandyorslivovitzCustard,toserveLIGHTLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Stoneandquartertheplumsandplaceinamediumsaucepanwith60g(2oz)ofthesugar.Cookgentlyforabout5minutesuntiltheplumsbegintosoften.Removefromtheheatandallowtocoolalittle.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandremainingsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallybeatintheeggs,thenmixintheflourandplumbrandy.Mixwelltocombine.
PUTTHREEQUARTERSOFTHESOFTENEDPLUMSinthebottomofthegreasedbasinandpourthespongemixtureontop.Coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Servewithcustardandtheremainingplums,reheatedcarefullysothattheydonotovercook.
Blackcurrantandlemonspongepudding
COOKINGTIME2HOURS
SERVES6
100g(3½oz)good-qualityblackcurrantjam,plusextratoserve200g(7oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)goldencastersugar
3largeeggs,beaten200g(7oz)self-raisingflourGratedzestof½unwaxedlemonCreamorcustard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasinandplacetheblackcurrantjaminthebase.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallyaddthebeatenegg–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.
FOLDINTHEREMAININGFLOURandthelemonzestandspoonthespongemixtureoverthejaminthegreasedbasin.Coverwithalidorfoilandsteamfor2hours.Oncecooked,turnoutontoaplateandservewithcreamorcustard,plusextrajamifyouwish.
GooseberryandalmondpuddingCOOKINGTIME40–50MINUTES
SERVES4
250g(9oz)gooseberries(freshorfrozen),toppedandtailed110g(4oz)castersugar60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,softened
1egg30g(1oz)self-raisingflour30g(1oz)groundalmondsCustard,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO170°C(325°F),GasMark3.Putthegooseberriesinanovenproofbakingdishandsprinklewith50g(2oz)ofthesugar.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandremaining60g(2oz)ofsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Beatintheegg.Sifttheflourandfoldthisintothemixture,alongwiththegroundalmonds.Coverthegooseberrieswiththismixture.
BAKETHEPUDDINGINTHEOVENFOR40–50minutesuntilthespongeisgoldenbrownandhasrisen.Servewithcustard.
Ifyouusefrozengooseberries,defrostfirstanddrainofftheexcessliquid.
GooseberryandorangepuddingCOOKINGTIME40–50MINUTES
SERVES6
900g(2lb)gooseberries(freshorfrozen),toppedandtailed
2tbspdarkmuscovadosugarFinelygratedzestof1orangeFewdropsofvanillaessence175g(6oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing175g(6oz)goldencastersugar
3largeeggs175g(6oz)self-raisingflourCustard,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6andgreaseamedium-sizedovenproofbakingdish.Putthegooseberriesintothedishandsprinklewiththemuscovadosugar,orangezestandvanillaessence.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandcastersugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenbeatintheeggs.Siftintheflourandstiruntilincorporated.Spreadthemixtureoverthegooseberriesandbakefor40–50minutesuntilthespongehasbrowned.Ifitlookslikethepuddingisbrowningtooquickly,coverwithfoil.Servewithcustard.
GooseberryandelderflowercrumbleCOOKINGTIME45MINUTES
SERVES8
650g(1lb7oz)gooseberries(freshorfrozen),toppedandtailed250ml(9floz)elderflowercordialCastersugar,totaste
245g(8½oz)self-raisingflour165g(5½oz)demerarasugar60g(2oz)margarine
60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,cutintopieces
1tspvanillaessenceCustardorcream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Putthegooseberriesinalargesaucepanwiththeelderflowercordialandpoachoveralowheatfor10–15minutes,untilthefruitislightlycookedbutstillholdingitsshape.Removefromtheheatandaddcastersugartotaste.
MEANWHILE,MAKETHECRUMBLETOPPINGbysiftingtheflourintoalargebowlandmixinginthedemerarasugar.Addthemargarine,butterandvanillaessencetothebowlandmixwithyourfingertipstotheconsistencyoffinecrumbs.
POURTHEGOOSEBERRIESandtheirpoachingliquidintoadeep,ovenproofbakingdish,distributethecrumblemixontopandpressdowntofirm.Cookintheovenfor45minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Servewithcustardorcream.
Thisrecipecombinestwoverytraditional(andmuchunderused)Britishingredientstogiveasurprisinglymoderntwistontheclassicfruitcrumble.The
resultiswonderfullysweetandfragrant.
Gooseberryandelderflowerlayerpudding
COOKINGTIME1HOUR
SERVES6–8
900g(2lb)greengooseberries(freshorfrozen),toppedandtailed
3elderflowerheads600g(1lb5oz)castersugar50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter12slicesofwhitebread,crustsremoved225ml(8floz)milk
450ml(16floz)doublecream4largeeggs,lightlybeaten
1tspvanillaessence15g(½oz)softlightbrownsugarCreamorcrèmefraîche,toserve
PUTTHEGOOSEBERRIES,ELDERFLOWERSAND450g(1lb)ofthecastersugarinamediumsaucepanandstirverygentlyoveramediumheatuntilthegooseberrieshavesplitopen.Removetheelderflowersanddiscardthem.
BUTTERTHEBREADandarrangefourslices,butter-sidedown,inasinglelayerina20cm(8in)square,ovenproofbakingdish.Spreadaboutathirdofthegooseberrymixtureoverthebread,thentopwithanotherfourpiecesofbread,butter-sidedown.Addanotherthirdofthegooseberrymix,thentopwiththefinalfourslicesofbread,againbutter-sidedown,tocompletethelayers.Keepthefinalthirdofthegooseberrymixtureforserving.
INABOWL,WHISKTOGETHERthemilk,cream,eggs,vanillaessenceandremaining150g(5oz)ofcastersugar,thenpourthisoverthetopofthepudding.Sprinklethebrownsugaroverthetop,andallowthepuddingtorestforanhour.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Placethebakingdishina
largeroastingtinandpourwaterintothetintocomehalfwayupthesidesofthedish.Bakeintheovenfor1houroruntilthetopofthepuddingisgoldenbrown.Servewarmwiththereservedgooseberrymixtureandcreamorcrèmefraîche.
LemonpossetCOOKINGTIME10MINUTES
SERVES6
550ml(19floz)doubleorwhippingcream140g(5oz)castersugarFinelygratedzestandjuiceof2largeunwaxedlemons
6spongefingerbiscuitsPUTTHECREAMANDSUGARinalargesaucepanandgraduallybringtotheboil.Simmerfor3minutesthenremovefromtheheat.Whiskinthelemonjuiceandzestuntilcompletelyincorporated.
POURTHEMIXTUREINTOSIXSERVINGGLASSESorramekinsandchillforabout2hours.Gentlydipthespongefingerbiscuitsintothepossetjustbeforeserving.
Datingbacktothe15thcentury,thepossetbeganlifeasadrinkmadefrommilkandflavouredwithspices,devisedasaremedyforillness.ItevenappearsinShakespeare,whenLadyMacbethuses‘drugg’d’possetstopoisontheguards
whoblockherway.
LemonlayerpuddingCOOKINGTIME2½–3HOURS
SERVES6
2eggs180g(6½oz)castersugarFinelygratedzestandjuiceof2unwaxedlemons60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,melted,plusextraforgreasingCustard,toserve
Forthesuetpastry240g(8½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)vegetablesuetGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Tomakethesuetpastry,sifttheflourandsaltintoalargebowlandmixinthesuet.Addenoughcoldwatertoformasoftdough.
ROLLOUTHALFOFTHEPASTRYonaflouredsurfaceanduseittolinethegreasedbasin.Dividetherestofthepastryroughlyintotwo,androllthesepiecesouttomakelayersofpastrythatgraduateinsizeforthemiddleandtopofthepudding.
TOMAKETHEFILLING,beattogethertheeggs,sugar,lemonzestandjuiceandmeltedbutter.Pourhalfofthismixtureintothelinedbasin,addthecentrallayerofpastry,pourintheremainingmixtureandtopwiththefinallayerofpastry.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor2½–3hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Raspberry,appleandalmondcrumbleCOOKINGTIME45MINUTES
SERVES8
245g(8½oz)self-raisingflour185g(6½oz)demerarasugar60g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,cutintopieces60g(2oz)margarine
60g(2oz)flakedornibbedalmonds
1tspalmondessence250g(9oz)raspberries450g(1lb)peeled,coredandchoppedcookingappleCastersugar,totasteCustardorwhippedvanillacream(seebox),toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO200°C(400°F),GasMark6.Sifttheflourintoalargebowlandmixinthedemerarasugar.Addthebutterandmargarineandmixwithyourfingertipstoafinecrumbconsistency.Addthealmondsandalmondessenceandmixthrough.
MIXTOGETHERTHERASPBERRIES,appleandcastersugarandplaceinthebaseofadeep,30cm(12in),ovenproofbakingdish.Addthecrumbletoppingandfirmdownalittle.Bakeintheovenforapproximately45minutesuntilgoldenbrown.Servewithcustardorwhippedvanillacream.
WHYNOTTRY…?Thispuddingislovelyservedwithvanilla-flavouredwhippedcream.Simplyaddalittlevanillaextract,ortheseedsfromavanillapod,todoubleorwhipping
creamandwhipasnormal.
BlackberrycharlotteCOOKINGTIME45MINUTES
SERVES6–8
110g(4oz)castersugar,plusextratotaste450g(1lb)blackberries1½tbspcornflour
2eggs,separated4½tbspdoubleorwhippingcream,plusextratoserveJuiceof½lemon110g(4oz)spongefingerbiscuits110g(4oz)icingsugar
PUTTHECASTERSUGARand275ml(½pint)waterinapanandheatgentlyuntilthesugarhasdissolved.Addtheblackberriesandcookoveralowheatfor10minutes.Strainandreservethesyrup,puttingtheblackberriestooneside.
TOMAKETHEBLACKBERRYCREAM,putthecornflourinasmallsaucepanandgraduallyblendin275ml(½pint)ofthesyrup(reservetheremainingsyruptouseinthemeringue).Cookforafewminutes,stirring,thenremovefromtheheat.Beattheeggyolksandcreamintothecornflourmixture.Addthelemonjuiceandmoresugarifrequired.
CUTOFFONEROUNDEDENDOFEACHspongefinger.Pourenoughoftheblackberrycreamintoa570ml(1-pint)ovenproofglassorPyrexsoufflédishtocoverthebottomandstandthespongefingers,cut-sidedownandsugar-sideout,aroundtheinsideedgeofthedishuntilcompletelylined.Arrangealayerofthereservedblackberriesoverthecream,followedbyanotherlayerofcream,repeatinguntiltheberriesandcreamareusedup.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO150°C(300°F),GasMark2.Puttheeggwhites,icingsugarand4½tablespoonsoftheblackberrysyrupinamedium–largeheatproofbowlsetoverasaucepanofsimmeringwater.Whiskuntilthemeringuereachessoftpeaks.Removethebowlfromtheheatandkeepwhiskinguntilthemeringuehascooled.Pileorpipethemeringueontothetopofthepuddingandbakefor20minutes.Leavetocoolandservecoldwithwhippedcream.
LatticecherrypieCOOKINGTIME40–45MINUTES
SERVES4
250g(9oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere)500g(1lb2oz)cherries75g(3oz)castersugar
1tbspcornflour30g(1oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasingSqueezeoflemonjuice1egg,beaten
Pouringcream,toservePREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Lightlygreasea20cm(8in)shallowpiedish.Rolloutthechilledpastryonaflouredsurface,to5mm(¼in)thickness,andlinethepiedish(seehere).Keepthepastrytrimmings.
REMOVETHESTEMSANDSTONESfromthecherries.Putthefruitinasaucepanwiththesugar,cornflour,butter,lemonjuiceand1tablespoonofwater.Gentlybringtotheboilandcookfor1minute.Removefromtheheatandallowtocoolslightly,thenspoonintotheuncookedpastrycase.
MAKEALATTICETOPfromthepastrytrimmings.Brushthetopwithalittlebeateneggandbakethepieintheovenfor30–40minutesuntilthepastryiscookedandgoldenbrown.Servewithpouringcream.
FloatingislandCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4
15g(½oz)unsaltedbutter100g(4oz)sugaredalmonds,inmixedcolours
4eggs,separated250g(9oz)castersugar,plusextraforthetin275ml(½pint)milkFewdropsofvanillaessence
PREHEATTHEOVENTO175°C(350°C),GasMark3–4.Usethebuttertogreaseadeep,round,15cm(6in)caketinandcoatitwithalittlesugar.Wrapthesugaredalmondsinacleanteatowelandcrushthemcoarselywitharollingpin.
INASCRUPULOUSLYCLEANBOWL,whisktheeggwhitesuntilstiff,thengraduallyadd110g(4oz)ofthesugar,continuingtowhiskasyoudoso.Gentlyfoldafurther110g(4oz)ofthesugarintotheeggwhiteswithametalspoon.
POURONETHIRDOFTHISMERINGUEMIXTUREintothepreparedtin,followedbyhalfthecrushedalmonds,afurtherthirdoftheegg-whitemixture,therestofthealmondsandfinallyatoplayerofmeringue.Placethecaketininaroastingtinandpourboilingwateraroundittoadepthofabout2.5cm(1in).Bakefor30minutesthenremovefromtheovenandleavetocool.
WHILETHISISCOOKING,beattheeggsyolkswiththeremaining30g(1oz)ofsugar.Heatthemilkinasmallsaucepanuntilalmostboiling,thenstirintheegg-yolkmixture.Blendthoroughlyandstrainintoaheatproofbowlsetoverasaucepanofsimmeringwater.Stirgentlyforabout10minutesuntilyouhavethickeningcustard.Removefromtheheat,addafewdropsofvanillaessenceandallowthecustardtocool,stirringregularlytopreventaskinforming.Pourthecooledcustardintoalarge,deep,roundbowl.Carefullyloosenthemeringuefromthetinwithasmallknifeandplaceontothecustard.Servecold.
WINTERPUDDINGS
CHAPTER8
Astheweathergrowscolderandthenightsdrawin,whatbetterwaytowarmyourcocklesthanwithagenerousbowlofsomething
steamingandsweet?Inthischapteryou’llfindanarrayofhot,heartypuddings,alongwithideasforusinguptheglutofpears,blackberriesandotherlate-autumnfruits.Therearealsoplentyofrecipesforthefestiveseason,givingyouthechoiceofatraditionalChristmaspud,amodernversionthatcanbecookedentirelyinthemicrowave,orthequick-to-makeStNick’spuddingforthosewhopreferalighteroption.Andinsteadoftraditionalmincepies,whynotserveyourguestsourmincemeattartorrolypolyalongwithmulledwinejelly
foraChristmaspartywithadifference?
WinterPuddings
AppleandmincemeatpuddingBramleyappleandlemoncurdpuddingsAppleandcinnamonamberElderberry,blackberryandapplepuddingAutumnpearpuddingPearandgingerupside-downpuddingPearspoachedinmulledwineRaisingingerpuddingSevilleorangemarmaladebreadandbutterpuddingBloodorangepuddingsFiggypuddingAmodernChristmaspuddingOldHookyChristmaspuddingPlumduffStNick’spuddingsChristmaspuddingMincemeatrolypolyMulledwinejellyMincemeattartSpicedwinterfruitsalad
AppleandmincemeatpuddingCOOKINGTIME1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
1tbspbrandy140g(5oz)mincemeat150g(5½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing125g(4½oz)castersugar3eggs,beaten
170g(6oz)self-raisingflour1tbspbakingpowder
2smalleatingapplesCustard,toserve
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Stirthebrandyintothemincemeatandplaceinthebottomofthegreasedbasin.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thengraduallymixinthebeateneggs.
SIFTTHEFLOURANDBAKINGPOWDERtogetherandfoldintothecreamedmixture.Coreandroughlychoptheapplesinto1cm(½in)piecesandstirintothemixture.Pourthespongemixtureoverthemincemeatinthebasin,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor1½hours.Servewithcustard.
Ifyoudon’tmakeyourownmincemeatbuyaready-madeversionandaddmorebrandy,cherry,almondsorwhateveryoufancy.
Bramleyappleandlemoncurdpuddings
COOKINGTIME15MINUTES
MAKES6
115g(4oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing115g(4oz)castersugar
2eggs½tspvanillaessenceGratedunwaxedlemonzest,totaste115g(4oz)self-raisingflour
2tbspmilkCreamorcustard,toserveFortheappleandlemoncurd225g(8oz)Bramleyapples,peeled,coredandchoppedGratedzestof1unwaxedlemon65g(2½oz)unsaltedbutter125g(4½oz)granulatedsugar50ml(2floz)freshlemonjuice2eggs,beatenFIRSTMAKETHEAPPLEANDLEMONCURD.Putthechoppedapplesinasaucepanwiththelemonzestand50ml(2floz)water.Cookuntilsoft,thenremovefromtheheatandpushthroughasieveorprocessinthepanwithahandblenderuntilyouhaveasmoothpurée.
PUTTHEAPPLEPURÉEintoalargeheatproofbowlwiththebutter,sugarandlemonjuiceandsetoverasaucepanofsimmeringwater.Assoonasthebutterhasmelted,pressthebeateneggthroughasieveintothebowlandwhisktocombine.(Ifyouhaveacookingthermometer,makesurethemixtureisnotabove55°Cwhenaddingtheegg,oritwillscramble.)Stiroveragentleheatuntilthemixtureisthickandcreamy;thiswilltakeabout5–6minutes.Leavetocool.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandcastersugaruntilpaleand
fluffy.Graduallyaddtheeggs–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Addthevanillaessenceandlemonzest.Foldintheremainingflourinstages,thenaddmilkuntiladroppingconsistencyisachieved.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreasesix200ml(7floz)ovenproofpuddingbasins.Place40g(1½oz)ofthecooledappleandlemoncurdintoeachpuddingbasin.Dividethespongemixevenlyamongthepuddingmoulds.
BAKEINTHEOVENFORapproximately15minutesuntilfirmtothetouchandgolden.Removefromtheovenandturnoutontoservingplates.Servewithcreamorcustard.
AppleandcinnamonamberCOOKINGTIME1HOUR
SERVES4–6
450g(1lb)peeled,coredcookingapples50g(2oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing200g(7oz)castersugar225g(8oz)freshwhitebread½tspgroundcinnamon
3eggs,separatedPREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4andgreasea20cm(8in)piedish.Quartertheapplesandcuteachpieceinhalfagain.Putinasaucepanwiththebutterand50g(2oz)ofthesugar.Cookoveragentleheatuntilthefruitmixtureissoftandthick.
PROCESSTHEBREADINTOFINEBREADCRUMBSandstirintothefruitmixturealongwiththecinnamon.Beattheeggyolksintothemixture,pourintothepiedishandbakeintheovenfor30minutes.
MEANWHILE,WHISKTHEEGGWHITESinascrupulouslycleanbowluntiltheyformstiffpeaks.Addhalftheremainingsugarandwhiskuntilthemixtureisthickandshiny.Foldintheremainingsugarwithametalspoonandpilethemeringueontothecookedfruitbase.Returntotheovenandbakeforanother10minutes,thenserveimmediately.
Elderberry,blackberryandapplepudding
COOKINGTIME40–55MINUTES
SERVES6–8
450g(1lb)cookingapples,peeled,coredandsliced110g(4oz)blackberries50g(2oz)elderberries,stalksremoved
1heapedtbspseedlessraspberryjam175g(6oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing150g(5oz)lightbrownmuscovadosugar
1tbspgoldensyrup4eggs,beaten110g(4oz)self-raisingflour110g(4oz)groundalmonds
1tspbakingpowder½tspalmondextractCreamoricecream,toserve
THOROUGHLYGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.Puttheapples,blackberries,elderberriesandjamintoasaucepan,coverwithalidandcookgentlyfor10–15minutesuntilsoft.Pourintothebakingdish.
PREHEATTHEOVENTO170°C(325°F),GasMark3.Inamixingbowl,beattogetherthebutter,sugarandgoldensyrupuntilpale,thengraduallyaddtheeggs,beatingwellbetweeneachaddition.Foldintheflour,groundalmonds,
bakingpowderandalmondextract.Pourontothefruitmixtureinthebakingdish.Smooththetopandbakeintheovenfor30–40minutesuntilthespongeisgoldenbrownandfirmtothetouch.Ifitlookslikeitisbrowningtooquicklyduringcooking,coverwithfoil.Servewithcreamoricecream.
AutumnpearpuddingCOOKINGTIME3HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing120g(4oz)self-raisingflourPinchofsalt120g(4oz)breadcrumbs120g(4oz)vegetablesuet120g(4oz)sultanas90g(3oz)castersugar
1egg,beaten120g(4oz)goldensyrupFinelygratedzestandjuiceof½orange1largepear,peeled,coredandchoppedorgratedCustard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoalargebowlandmixinthebreadcrumbs,suet,sultanasandsugar.
BLENDTHEBEATENEGGwiththegoldensyrup,orangejuiceandzest,thenmixintothedrymixturealongwiththechoppedorgratedpear.Stirwellandpourintothepuddingbasin.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor3hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Pearandgingerupside-downpuddingCOOKINGTIME45–55MINUTES
SERVES6
165g(5½oz)unsaltedbutter,plusextraforgreasing140g(5oz)softdarkbrownsugar3pears,peeled,coredandquartered30g(1oz)stemginger,chopped115g(4oz)blacktreacle115g(4oz)goldensyrup2tspgroundcinnamon
2tspgroundginger¼tspgroundnutmeg2eggs,beaten150ml(5floz)milk225g(8oz)plainflour,sifted
1tspbakingpowderCustardoricecream,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO180°C(350°F),GasMark4.Greaseadeep,round,23cm(9in)caketinandlinewithgreaseproofpaper.Put50g(2oz)ofthebutterand70g(2½oz)ofthesugarinasaucepanandheatgentlyuntilthesugarhasdissolved.Pourintothebaseofthelinedtin,arrangethequarteredpearsontopandsprinklewiththechoppedstemginger.
PLACETHEREMAININGBUTTERANDSUGARinasaucepanwiththetreacleandgoldensyrup.Heatgentlyuntilcombined,thenremovefromtheheatandaddthecinnamon,gingerandnutmeg,followedbythebeateneggandthemilk.Finallyaddthesiftedflourandbakingpowderandmixtoformasmoothbatter.
POURTHEBATTEROVERTHEPEARSinthetinandbakeintheovenfor40–50minutes.Checkwithaskewerthatthepuddingiscookedthrough,thenturnout
ontoaservingplateandservewithcustardoricecream.
PearspoachedinmulledwineCOOKINGTIME25–40MINUTES
SERVES8
600ml(1pint)full-bodiedredwineGratedzestandjuiceof1orange4cloves
1cinnamonstickSmallpieceoffreshrootginger,peeledandsliced1vanillapod,splitlengthways300g(11oz)castersugar
8slightlyunder-ripepears(Conferenceareideal)Icecream,toserveFIRSTYOUNEEDTOMULLTHEWINE.Placealltheingredients,exceptforthepears,inalargesaucepan,add600ml(1pint)waterandbringtotheboil,thenreducetheheatandsimmerfor5minutes.
PEELTHEPEARS,lowerintothesimmeringwinesyrupandweighthemdownwithaplatesothattheyarefullysubmerged.Coverthepanwithalid.Checkthepearsafter20minutes–theyshouldoffernoresistancewhenprickedwithasharpknife.Continuetocookifnecessary.Oncecooked,removefromtheheatandleavethepearstocoolinthesyrup.Servewithicecream.
RaisingingerpuddingCOOKINGTIME3HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing120g(4oz)plainflour½tspbicarbonateofsodaPinchofsalt
120g(4oz)breadcrumbs1tspgroundginger
1tspgroundallspice90g(3oz)vegetablesuet90g(3oz)raisins20g(¾oz)stemginger,chopped60g(2oz)goldensyrupMilk,tomix
Custard,toserveGREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttheflour,bicarbonateofsodaandsalttogetherintoalargebowl,thenmixinalltheremainingdryingredients,includingtheraisinsandstemginger.
MELTTHEGOLDENSYRUPinasmallsaucepanorthemicrowave,addtothemixeddryingredientsandstirinenoughmilktoreachadroppingconsistency.Spoonintothebasin,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor3hours.Turnoutandservewithcustard.
Soaktheraisinsingingerwineforanhourortwobeforeusing.Haveatippleyourselftoo,butnotsomanythatyoutipover!
Sevilleorangemarmaladebreadandbutterpudding
COOKINGTIME30MINUTES
SERVES4–6
120–180g(4–6½oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing12slicesofwhitebread,crustsremoved200g(7oz)medium-cutSevilleorangemarmalade
3eggs600ml(1pint)milk90g(3oz)castersugarGroundcinnamonornutmeg,tosprinkleCustard,toserve(optional)
GREASEA1.1-litre(2-pint)ovenproofbakingdish.
BUTTERTHEBREADSLICESononeside.Linethebottomandsidesofthegreaseddishwithsomeofthebread,butter-sideup.Ifthereanylargepiecesofrindinthemarmalade,cutthemintosmaller2cm(¾in)pieces,thenspreadhalfofthemarmaladeoverthebread.Addanotherlayerofbreadandspreadtherestofthemarmaladeontothislayer.Finishwiththeremainingbread.
BEATTHEEGGSWELL,mixwiththemilkandsugar,andpourthismixtureoverthepudding.Sprinklewithcinnamonornutmegandleavetosoakfor30minutes,thenpreheattheovento200°C(400°F),GasMark6andbakethepuddingfor30minutesoruntilset.Servehot,onitsownorwithcustard.
BloodorangepuddingsCOOKINGTIME30MINUTES
MAKES4
4bloodoranges120g(4oz)butter,softened,plusextraforgreasing120g(4oz)castersugar,plusanextra3tbspforthesyrup120g(4oz)self-raisingflour,sifted2eggs,beaten
1tbspgoldensyrupCustardoricecream,toserve
FINELYGRATETHEZESTOFtwoofthebloodoranges,thenpeelandsegmentthemandsetthesegmentsaside.Inamixingbowl,creamthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy,thenaddtheorangezest.Addthesiftedflourtothecreamedmixturealittleatatime,alternatingwiththebeatenegg,andbeatingwellaftereachaddition.
GREASEFOUR200ml(7floz)puddingbasins.Putalittleofthegoldensyrupintothebottomofeachbasin.Placeacoupleofthereservedorangesegmentsinthebaseofeachbasin(keeptheremainingsegmentstooneside).Dividethespongemixtureequallybetweenthebasins.Coversecurelywithlidsorfoilandsteamfor30minutes.
WHILETHEPUDDINGSARECOOKING,juicetheremainingtwooranges,placethejuiceandthereservedorangesegmentsintoasmallpanwiththecastersugar.Heatoveramediumheattoreducetheliquidandmakeanorangesyrup.
TURNOUTTHEPUDDINGSandtopwiththeorangesegmentsandsyrup.Servewithcustardoricecream.
Tarterthanregularorangesandwithgloriousredflesh,bloodorangesmostlycomefromsouthernMediterraneancountries.InseasonfromDecemberto
March,theybringahintofsunshinetoourcoldwintermonths.
FiggypuddingCOOKINGTIME3HOURS
SERVES4–6
Butter,forgreasing120g(4oz)plainflourPinchofsalt120g(4oz)breadcrumbs120g(4oz)vegetablesuet1tspmixedspice
1tspbakingpowder90g(3oz)darksoftbrownsugar240g(8½oz)figs,choppedFinelygratedzestof1unwaxedlemon
2tbspmilk2eggs,beatenWarmedgoldensyrupandcustard,toserve
GREASEA1.1-LITRE(2-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoalargebowl,thenaddalltheremainingdryingredientsandmixtocombine.Addthefigs,lemonzestandjuice,milkandeggs,thenbeatwell.Themixtureshouldreachasoftdroppingconsistency.
POURTHEMIXTUREintothegreasedbasin,coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamfor3hours.Servewithwarmedgoldensyrupandcustard.
AmodernChristmaspuddingCOOKINGTIME15MINUTES
SERVES10
Butter,forgreasing90g(3oz)plainflour¼tspsalt90g(3oz)vegetablesuet½tspmixedspice¼tspgroundcinnamon45g(1½oz)breadcrumbs60g(2oz)castersugar60g(2oz)choppedmixedcandiedpeel60g(2oz)darksoftbrownsugar60g(2oz)glacécherries,chopped90g(3oz)currants90g(3oz)raisins
120g(4oz)sultanas45g(1½oz)blanchedalmonds,chopped30g(1oz)peeled,coredandchoppedcookingappleJuiceandfinelygratedzestof½unwaxedlemon2tspgoldensyrup2tspgravybrowning
4tbspbrandy2eggs,beaten
4tbspmilkBrandybutterorrichwhitebrandysauce,toserve
GREASEA1.7-LITRE(3-pint)puddingbasin.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoalargemixingbowl,thenaddallthedryingredientsonthelist,downtoandincludingtheappleandlemonzestandmixuntilcombined.Stirinalltheremainingingredientsandpourthepuddingmixtureintothegreasedbasin.
COVERSECURELYWITHALIDordoublelayerofgreaseproofpaper.Cookinan800W(orabove)microwaveontheHighsettingfor5minutes,leavetostandfor5minutes,thenrepeat.Servestraightawayorstoreinthefridgeuntilneededandreheatasdescribedbelow.Servewithbrandybutterorarichwhitebrandysauce.
TOREHEAT,REMOVETHEPUDDINGfromthebasinandsprinklewith1½teaspoons
ofwater.Coverwithclingfilmandcookinthemicrowavefor4minutes.Leavefor4minutes,thencookforafurther3minutes.
Wedevisedthis‘modern’Christmaspuddingspecificallysothatitcanbecookedinyourmicrowave.(Don’thaveamicrowave?Turntohereforthe
traditionalversion.)
OldHookyChristmaspuddingCOOKINGTIME1–1½HOURS
SERVES8–12
1.2kg(2½lb)mixeddriedfruit240g(8½oz)ready-soakedprunes,chopped240g(8½oz)breadcrumbs2largecookingapples,peeledandgrated60g(2oz)blanchedalmonds,chopped
1tspmixedspiceFinelygratedzestandjuiceof1unwaxedlemonand1orange240g(8½oz)softdarkbrownsugar120g(4oz)glacécherries1largecarrot,peeledandgrated120g(4oz)groundalmonds120g(4oz)plainflour½tspgroundcinnamon
½tspgroundnutmeg240g(8½oz)shreddedvegetablesuet
1tspsalt150–200ml(5–7floz)OldHookyorsimilardarkale1smallglassofbrandy(about50ml/2floz)3eggs,beaten
Butter,forgreasingBrandybutter,toserve
MIXTOGETHERALLTHEINGREDIENTSinalargemixingbowl,givethemagoodstirandleavetostand,covered,overnight.
THEFOLLOWINGDAY,greasetwo1.1-litre(2-pint)puddingbasinsandpourinthemixture,fillingthebasinsrighttothetop.Coversecurelywithlidsorfoilandsteamfor1–1½hours.Servewithbrandybutter.
Fansofrealalewilllovethisfestivepudding.OldHookyisafruity,full-bodiedbeerbrewedintheOxfordshirevillageofHookNorton.Ofcourseotherdarkalescanbeusedinstead,butyou’llhavetorenameyourpuddingaccordingly!
PlumduffCOOKINGTIME1–1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
150g(5oz)self-raisingflour,plusextraforsprinkling75g(3oz)shreddedsuet100g(3½oz)currants
100g(3½oz)raisins100g(3½oz)demerarasugarPinchofmixedspiceApprox.150ml(5floz)milkCustardormeltedjam,toserve
INALARGEBOWL,mixtogethertheflour,suet,currants,raisins,sugarandspice.Mixwithenoughmilktoformastiffdough.Soakacleanteatowelorpuddingclothinboilingwater,wringthenopenoutflatandsprinklewithalittleflour.Putthedoughintothecentreoftheflouredclothandtieuplikeafootball.
DROPTHEWRAPPEDDOUGHintoasaucepanofboilingwater,coverandboilfor1½hours,addingmorewatertothepanasnecessarysothatitdoesn’tboildry.Attheendofthecookingtime,removethepuddingfromthepanandunwrapcarefully.Servewithcustardormeltedjam.
Originallyknownas‘plumdough’,thisbeganlifeasaBritish‘streetfood’,soldfromcloth-coveredbasketsbystreetvendors’wives.Thesedays,peopleoftenwonderwhyplumduffcontainsnoplums,butbackinthe17thcentury,theword
wasusedtorefertoallmanneroffruits,includingraisinsandcurrants.
StNick’spuddingsCOOKINGTIME35–45MINUTES
MAKES6
170g(6oz)unsaltedbutter,softened,plusextraforgreasing170g(6oz)softlightbrownsugar3eggs,beaten
125g(4½oz)self-raisingflour140g(5oz)whitebreadcrumbs
1tspgroundcinnamonGratedzestof1orangeandjuiceof½40g(1½oz)choppedprunes190g(6½oz)choppedplums
3tbspgoldensyrupCustard,toserve
GREASESIX200ml(7FLOZ)PUDDINGBASINS.Inamixingbowl,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Graduallyaddthebeateneggandstirtocombine–ifthemixtureseparates,juststirinalittleoftheflour.Foldintheremainingflour,breadcrumbsandcinnamonandmixwell.Addtheorangezest,juice,prunesand100g(3½oz)oftheplums.
PLACE15g(½OZ)OFTHEREMAININGPLUMSwith½tablespoonofthegoldensyrupinthebaseofeachgreasedbasin.Dividethespongemixevenlyamongthemandsealwithlidsorfoil.Steamfor35–45minutesuntilcooked,thenturnoutandservewithcustard.
AnicechangefromtheusualChristmaspud,thislighteralternativeisalsomuchquickertomakeas–unlikethetraditionalrecipe–itdoesn’tneedtobeleftfor
weekstomature.Definitelyoneforthosewho’velefttheirChristmaspreparationsuntilthelastminute!
ChristmaspuddingCOOKINGTIME6–10HOURS
SERVES12
1.2kg(2½lb)mixeddriedfruits240g(8½oz)ready-soakedprunes,chopped240g(8½oz)breadcrumbs2largecookingapples,peeled,choppedandgrated60g(2oz)blanchedalmonds,chopped
1tspmixedspiceFinelygratedzestandjuiceof1unwaxedlemonand1orange240g(8½oz)softdarkbrownsugar120g(4oz)glacécherries1largecarrot,peeledandgrated120g(4oz)groundalmonds120g(4oz)plainflour
½tspgroundcinnamon½tspgroundnutmeg240g(8½oz)vegetablesuet
1tspsalt220ml(8floz)stout(½regularcan)50ml(2floz)brandy3eggs,beatenButter,forgreasing
MIXTOGETHERALLTHEINGREDIENTSinalargebowl,stirwelltocombine,coverthebowlandleavetostandovernight.
THEFOLLOWINGDAY,greasetwo1.1-litre(2-pint)puddingbasinsorone2.3-litre(4-pint)basin.Pourthemixtureintothegreasedbasin(s),rightuptothetop.Coversecurelywithalidorfoilandsteamthesmallerpuddingsfor6hoursorthelargeronefor10hours.Servewithyourchoiceofaccompaniments(seehere).
WHYNOTTRY…?Christmaspuddingtakesalongtimetocook,somakeyourcelebrationsless
stressfulbycookingitinadvanceandsimplyreheatingwhenneeded.Toreheat,steamthesmallerpuddingsforabout1hour;thelargerfor2hours.Douseinrumorbrandy,setalightifyouwish,andservewithyourchoiceofbrandy
butter,whitesauce,custardorcream.
MincemeatrolypolyCOOKINGTIME1–1½HOURS
SERVES4–6
180g(6½oz)self-raisingflour,plusextrafordustingPinchofsalt90g(3oz)vegetablesuetFinelygratedzestof1unwaxedlemonMilk,tomix450g(1lb)mincemeat
1tbspcastersugarCustard,toserve
PREHEATTHEOVENTO190°C(375°F),GasMark5.Sifttheflourandsalttogetherintoalargebowl,thenaddthesuet,lemonzestandenoughmilktomakeadough.Onaflouredsurface,rolloutthedoughtoabout25cm(10in)squareandspreadwiththemincemeat.DampentheedgesofthedoughwithwaterandrolluplikeaSwissroll.
PLACETHEROLYPOLYINAROASTINGTINandputintheoven,raisingonesideofthetinsothatthepuddingrollstooneend.Thiswillpreventitfromunravelling.Bakefor1hour.(Alternatively,wrapthepuddinginfoiltoholditsshapeandinclingfilmtomakeitwatertight.Steamfor1½hours,thencarefullyremovetheclingfilmandfoil.)Sprinklewiththesugarandservewithcustard.
MulledwinejellyCOOKINGTIME10MINUTES
SERVES6
1orange
1unwaxedlemon2slicesoffreshrootginger,peeled1smallcinnamonstick
2cloves200ml(7floz)port
1bottleoffruityredwine150g(5oz)granulatedsugar25g(1oz)gelatineleavesCrèmefraîche,toserve
FINELYPARETHEZESTfromtheorangeandlemonandplacethestripsinabowlwiththeginger,cinnamonandcloves.Squeezeintheorangeandlemonjuice,coverandleavetomacerateovernight.
THENEXTDAY,pourthemixtureintoalarge,stainless-steelsaucepanandaddtheport,wineandsugar.Heatgently,stirringoccasionally,untilthesugarhasdissolved.Themixtureshouldneverreachasimmer.Assoonasitispipinghot,removefromtheheat.
PLACETHEGELATINEINALARGEBOWL.Keeptheleaveslooseandslightlyseparatefromeachotherasyoupouronenoughcoldwatertocoverthem.Leavetosoakfor5minutes,thendrainoffthewater.Strainthehotwinethroughafinesieveontothesoftgelatineandstiruntilthegelatinehasdissolved.Leavetocool.
POURTHECOOLEDJELLYMIXTUREintoalargeglassdishorindividualglasses.
Chillinthefridgeovernightuntilset,thenservewithcrèmefraîche,flavouredifyouwish(seehere).
AfteraChristmaspartyoneyear,JillfromThePuddingClubwasleftwonderingwhattodowithasurplusofmulledwine.Shedecidedtotrymakingit
intoajellyandwasverypleasantlysurprisedbytheresults!WHYNOTTRY…?
Thisjellyisdivineservedwithcrèmefraîche,whichcanbeflavouredwithcalvados,orangeblossomwaterorCointreauforarefreshingfruitykick.
MincemeattartCOOKINGTIME55–65MINUTES
SERVES8–10
375g(13oz)shortcrustpastry(seehere)Flour,fordusting175g(6oz)unsaltedbutter,softened175g(6oz)castersugar
4eggs175g(6oz)groundalmonds
1tspalmondextract175g(6oz)mincemeat50g(2oz)flakedalmondsThickcream,toserve
ROLLOUTTHEPASTRYONAFLOUREDSURFACEanduseittolinea28cm(11in)flantin(seehere).Prickthebaseofthepastrywithafork.Chillthepastrycaseinthefridgefor10minutes,thenpreheattheovento190°C(375°F),GasMark5andblindbakethepastrycasefor25minutes(seehere).Removeandsetaside,leavingtheoventurnedon.
INAMIXINGBOWL,creamtogetherthebutterandsugaruntilpaleandfluffy.Beatintheeggsthenaddthegroundalmondsandalmondextract.Mixuntilfullyincorporated.Spreadthemincemeatevenlyinthecookedpastrycaseandtopwiththecreamedmixture.Bakefor30–40minutes,thensprinkletheflakedalmondsontothetartandputbackintheovenfor5minutes.Servewarmwiththickcream.
SpicedwinterfruitsaladCOOKINGTIME15MINUTES
SERVES6
600g(1lb5oz)mixeddriedfruit,includingapricots,pittedAgenprunes,pears,applesandfigs
3tbspgood-qualityclearhoney½tspmixedspice1vanillapod
1tbspfreshlemonjuiceGood-qualityvanillaicecreamorGreekyoghurt,toserve
PLACETHEDRIEDFRUITSintoalargesaucepanandcoverwith750ml(1pint6floz)coldwater.Leavetosoakfor2–3hours.
ADDTHEHONEYANDMIXEDSPICEtothepan.Splitthevanillapod,scrapetheseedsintotheliquorandalsoaddthepod.Mixwelltogether,thenbringtotheboilandsimmerfor15minutes.
REMOVETHEPANFROMTHEHEAT,fishoutthevanillapodanddiscard.Addthelemonjuiceandleavetoinfuse.Thefruitsaladcanbeservedwarmorlefttocool.ServewithvanillaicecreamorGreekyoghurt.
THREEWAYSHOUSEHOTEL,inthebeautifulcountrysideoftheNorthCotswolds,hasbeenthehomeofThePuddingClubsinceitwasfirstestablishedin1985.Pudding-loversfromallovertheworldhavevisitedustoenjoyapuddinginRandall’sBarBrasserie,thebuffetofpuddingsatSundaylunchintheaward-winningrestaurantortojoininthefunatauniquemeetingofThePuddingClubitself.Manychoosetostayovernightinoneofthesevenpudding-themedbedrooms;afterallwhereelsecouldyousleepinaboxofchocolatesorunderadrippingsyrupsponge?
OurmissionhasbeentopreservetheheritageofthegreatBritishpudding.Pleasecomealongtoenjoyapuddingortwoandhelpusinourwork:THREEWAYSHOUSEHOTELChapelLane,Mickleton,ChippingCampden,Gloucestershire,GL556SBTel:01386438429,Email:reception@puddingclub.comwww.puddingclub.comwww.threewayshousehotel.com
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWEWOULDLIKETOTHANKeveryoneatThreeWaysHouseHotelfortheirenergyandenthusiasminmakingThePuddingClubtheworld-famousinstitutionitistodayandfortheirideasandrecipes,whichhelpedtocreatethisbook.Weareparticularlygratefultothequeenofpuddings,SheilaVincent,whohasmademanythousandsofdeliciouspuddingssince1995.ThankstootoHeadChefMarkandtoTom,Carl,Dan,RachelandPeter’swifeJanewhohaveallbeenabighelp.
ThankstootoSarahLavelle,Smith&Gilmour,IoneWalderandeveryoneatEbury.
SimonandJillCoombeandPeterHenderson,ThePuddingClub
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Propsstylist:PollyWebb-WilsonDesignandartdirection:Smith&Gilmour,LondonCopyeditor:IoneWalderISBN9780091945428