The proof is in the pudding
Bring us some figgy pudding! The COUNTRY LIFE team sets out to find the tastiest non-supermarket Christmas pud on the market
Tiptree Organic Christmas Pudding,
£10.99, 454g (01621 815407; www.tiptree.com) Zesty and not too rich, a good one to try when luring younger members of the family away from the chocolate coins.
The Carved Angel Apple Strudel Christmas Pudding,
from £10.95, 454g (www.thecarvedangel.com; 01752 345120) Enjoyably eccentric in its striking golden colour and sticky consistency, with tones of apple and cinnamon. Perfect for those after something a bit different.
Dukeshill Christmas Pudding,
£20, 454g (0845 370 0129; www. dukeshillham.co.uk) Dukeshill certainly doesn’t scrimp on the fruit—its puddings are crammed with it. Not too heavy either, which bodes well after a turkey feast.
Melrose and Morgan Christmas Plum Pudding,
£10, 450g (www.melroseandmorgan. com; 020–7485 1600) An enticingly smooth, light texture, plus it scored the highest marks for presentation from the Editor, who was a big fan of its pretty, polkadot wrapping.
Bettys Champagne Christmas Pudding,
£24.95, 760g (0800 456 1919; www.bettys.co.uk) Bettys’ new recipe for this year got a big thumbs up from the team—unique in its citrusy, rich, Champagne taste.
Cole’s Brandy, Port and Walnut Christmas Pudding,
£7.99, 454g (01799 531053; www.colespuddings.com) Rich and a lovely dark colour, we liked the juicy combination of brandy and Port.
Lillypuds Traditional Christmas Pudding,
£9.25, 454g (www.lillypuds.co.uk; 07792 223301) Generous with fruit, this is a good one for those who dislike stodgy richness and want a lightr option.
Chatsworth Farm Shop Christmas Pudding,
£6.99, 400g (www.chatsworth.org; 01246 565411) A recipe from the archives of Chatsworth, this pudding is not for the meek—traditional with a strong aftertaste.
The Old Fashioned Pudding Company Traditional Christmas Pudding, £11, 550g (www.oldfashionedpuddings.co.uk; 01733 333204) The light and crumbly texture divided critics, but the taste did not—full of flavour, made with Irish stout and French brandy.