Page 37 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘Yes, it’s a nice place there, and a great team to work with too.’

‘Well, that’s good. Do find yourself a seat and I’ll bring the coffee over in two ticks. We’ll be making a start shortly.’

Brief introductions were made around the table, with Rachel setting the ball rolling. ‘Hi everyone, and thanks so much for coming along to the Pudding Pantry for what I hope will be a fun and inspirational, as well as tasty, evening. So, a big welcome from me and my mum, Jill.’ Rachel’s fingers were trembling slightly on the sheet of notes that she’d made for the evening, but Jill glanced at her with a supportive nod and encouraging smile, and she began to relax a little. She briefly explained their background and how they’d converted the barn this summer to begin their new business venture. Then she finished with, ‘Please let us know what you’re hoping to get from the Pudding Club, and any suggestions on how we can go forward are most welcome. And, I hope you enjoy this evening!’

Jill’s Toffee Apple Crumbles were the first out for the taste-testing, served in pretty fluted white china dishes, with creamy custard for those who wanted. It was met with hearty approvals by way of ‘Yum’, ‘Delicious’, ‘Gorgeous’, ‘Love it’, and ‘I need this recipe now!’. This was followed by Rachel’s Pear and Blackberry Crumble, which again was met with a round of appreciation and enthusiasm. The guests animatedly discussed the crumbles they’d sampled, with Granny Ruth talking happily with Daniel, and Maisy carrying across a fresh jug of milk for the teas.

‘You’re doing a fab job, Maisy,’ said Eve. ‘I think you deserve extra pocket money for this.’

‘Yes, I do too,’ she grinned. ‘I’ll ask Mummy in a minute.’

Gathered back at the table with a fresh brew to hand, Rachel soon had the group’s attention once again. ‘So, we’ve had a couple of tastings and you’ve all now got Jill’s fabulous recipe sheet for her Toffee Apple Crumble, so, what are your favourite crumble recipes? Any hot tips or tantalising or unique flavour combinations?’

‘Rhubarb and Ginger,’ suggested Denise, one of the WI ladies.

‘Oh yes, we have that here at the Pantry sometimes, it’s a lovely warming combination with a touch of spice,’ said Jill.

‘I tried a Damson and Apple Crumble once, that was nice,’ added Christine.

One of the young mums joined in, which was great to see. ‘I made a Raspberry and Chocolate Crumble once and that was so good.’

‘Ooh, sounds amazing,’ said Charlotte. ‘I’m not that adventurous, just the usual apple crumble for me.’

‘Oh yes.’ Eve winked at Rachel at that point.

Rachel was in professional mode and somehow managed to keep her cool. She’d have words with her friend later, mind.

‘Apple and Blackberry’s my favourite,’ piped up Granny Ruth. ‘Just like my own Granny used to make, back in the day. And, going blackberry picking as a child was the best bit, sampling as you went, with sweet juices running down your chin and purple-stained fingers.’

‘Hah, yes. Maisy, you like doing that, don’t you?’ added Rachel. They’d been out bramble picking earlier in the autumn to boost supplies for Grandma Jill’s baking – several bags of blackberries were still in the freezer – and Maisy had loved it.

Unfortunately, Ruth had a coughing fit then, and politely made to leave the table.

‘Here, I’ll fetch you some water, Granny.’ Rachel got up to get a glass for her.

After taking a sip, and coughing a little more, the old lady excused herself, ‘I might just head over to the house. It was lovely to meet you all.’ She seemed embarrassed at causing a fuss.

‘Lovely to meet you too, Ruth,’ said Daniel kindly, who’d been sitting beside her. ‘You take care now.’

‘Well, I always like a gooseberry crumble,’ Pamela, the wife of the couple from Alnwick then said. ‘Nice and tart. With a big blob of thick cream.’

‘It’s delicious, I can vouch for it,’ added her husband, Nigel, with a proud smile.

‘Ooh, yes,’ Eve commented.

‘I tried to make a spiced pear and almond once, and that was good,’ said Daniel joining in.

‘Oh, I do like the sound of that,’ Jill said animatedly, who’d now taken Ruth’s seat next to Daniel. ‘You’ll have to give me the recipe sometime.’

‘Of course,’ he answered, chirpily.

Rachel looked around the vibrant group. It was brilliant that the first club night had started off so well, and that everyone seemed happy to join in and make the most of the experience. Hopefully, they’d all enjoyed themselves so far.

‘So, on to toppings. Any suggestions?’ said Rachel, hoping to keep the conversation flowing.

‘Custard, cream,’ WI Denise said.

‘Ice cream!’ Maisy found her moment.