Best of three: Christmas puddings
In the first of a new series, we test three festive essentials. This time, Laura Rowe gets her teeth around Christmas puddings
Georgie Porgie’s Lemon and Pimms Pudding
Handmade in Devon, this rustic pudding is lighter in colour and texture than traditionalists will be used to. There is a strong lemon rind flavour, with a hint of bitterness, but that is balanced nicely with the spice and sweet citrus notes of the Pimms. Very fruit heavy, no nuts.
Best for? Those that like their puds boozy and with a twist. It would also work just as well later on in the year if you don’t get round to eating it this Christmas.
Lovefood.com tip: Why not try flaming your Georgie Porgie with some Pimms instead of brandy.
How much? Prices start at £2.49 for 142g up to £24.99 for 2.27kg. There are also traditional, Cointreau and orange, and cider and apple varieties available.
www.georgieporgiespuddings.co.uk
Heston from Waitrose: Hidden Orange/Clementine Christmas Pudding
As you cut into this pudding a glossy orange syrup pours from its heart: it looks and smells impressive. It’s surprisingly light in colour but is loaded with candied fruit and sliced almonds. Texture is soft and jammy. It’s got a moreish marmaladey bitter sweetness to it but a distinct lack of spice.
Best for? Those that like to impress. As well as having Heston’s name to it, the very fact you managed to track one of these highly sought-after puds down will surely win you some brownie points, or should that be pudding points? It’s also veggie friendly.
Lovefood.com tip: Instead of serving brandy butter with your pud, how about grating a little fresh orange zest into some crème fraiche.
How much? Depending on where you get your Heston pud from (last year eBay bids went up to £600) you should be able to buy the 227g Clementine pud from Waitroses across the country for £3.49 and the 1.2kg Orange big brother for £13.99.
Feeding Your Imagination Chrimbo Pud
Made to a traditional Jamaican recipe, this vegetarian and nut- and gluten-free pudding packs a punch when it comes to spice (think cinnamon, ginger and allspice). It’s boozy, laced with Courvoisier VS Cognac, and all the better for it. It even won itself a Great Taste Gold Award this year.
Best for? Coeliacs, vegetarians and those that like to top up their Christmas day alcohol consumption with their pudding.
Lovefood.com tip: If you are lucky enough to have any pudding left over, slice it and top with blue cheese and whack under the grill for 30 seconds.
How much? The Chrimbo Pud serves six to eight and costs £12.99.
Room for seconds?
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