Page 57 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Chapter 24

PUDDINGS GALORE

A Sunday afternoon brainstorming session was in full flow at Primrose Farm.

Rachel, Jill, Granny Ruth, and Eve were gathered around the kitchen table, with The Baking Bible laid out open in front of them, mugs of coffee to hand and choc-dipped flapjacks on a plate within reach of all (essential brain fuel). Even Maisy and Amelia had decided to forego the garden and slide for a while to join in the important discussion that was taking place. What should go on the Pudding Pantry menu?

All ages were represented, and the ideas were flowing fast.

‘There has to be the two stalwarts we have already at the Kirkton Deli, so sticky toffee pudding and chocolate pudding,’ Jill said.

‘Yes, agreed,’ Rachel backed her up.

‘So, what other all-time favourites do we need?’ Jill asked. She was happy to try some new things as well as pitch her own ideas.

Eve added, ‘I love a lemon pudding.’

‘Great, I know a good one of Delia’s, Canary Pudding. That’d be nice, especially in the summer months,’ Jill said.

‘And then other desserts?’ Rachel prompted. ‘Puddings don’t just have to be sponge puddings as such. What about a banoffee pie or a gorgeous cheesecake or something?’

‘Ooh yes, remember we chatted about that a few weeks ago, you make that gorgeous raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake, Rachel. And, what about a pavlova with strawberries and cream?’ Eve was on a roll. In virtual pudding heaven in fact.

‘Absolutely, pavlova was something I’d already been thinking of. I’d like to have some variety too, and the chance to keep creating new things. So maybe we could have a Pudding of the Week, like a special?’ said Jill.

‘Oh yes. Brilliant idea, Mum.’

‘And what about a taster plate or something?’ Eve asked. ‘I can never decide which I want, as they are all so fab.’

‘A trio of puddings, then,’ Rachel suggested.

‘Well, I’m already making mini puddings for the launch party. We could have a selection of those.’

‘Cupcakes!’ shouted Maisy. Her all-time favourites.

‘With pretty flowers on,’ added Amelia.

‘Like sugar-paste ones, Amelia? Ones you can eat?’ Jill asked.

‘Yes, those ones.’ The little girl was beaming, happy to have joined in.

‘Great idea, girls.’

‘And other cakes, of course. You can’t beat a well-made Victoria sponge with jam and fresh cream,’ said Granny Ruth.

‘Moist yummy carrot cake,’ added Eve.

‘Coffee and walnut, too,’ said Jill. ‘Again, we can vary the cake options weekly.’

‘And we need to make sure we cater for gluten free, so there’ll always be an option for that,’ suggested Rachel. ‘I know Kirsty’s little girl at school is coeliac, she always has real trouble with menus out. It’d be nice for her and others with allergies to still be able to come out for a treat.’

‘That’s a great idea. I can research some nice recipes, and source some gluten-free flour.’

‘We need something traditional too,’ Granny Ruth added. ‘Proper old-fashioned puddings like jam roly-poly or a spotted dick. We used to love them back in the day. With lashings of thick creamy custard.’

Rachel and Jill burst into laughter at that point. ‘Hah, we were meaning to ask you, look at this …’ Rachel leafed through the pages of The Baking Bible to find Dad’s naughty scribble on the spotted dick page.

Granny peered closer with her reading glasses poised. ‘Ah yes, that was your dad all right, the little monkey. Thought it was the funniest thing ever.’