CHRISTMAS PUDS AND CAKES

Love them or hate them, if you don’t have time to make your own these are the best you can buy

Sherry & Cognac Infused Christmas Pudding, 800g, £12.95, Booths

Both Rose and Jess commented on the satisfyingly round shape of this pud. If you’re not daring enough to set it alight, we recommend sticking a sparkler in the top for some table-top theatre. The traditional flavour was complemented by large pieces of vine fruits, glacé cherries, almonds and pecans. Booths cardholders can save £1.

Irresistible Richly Fruited Christmas Pudding, 400g, £4.50, Co-op

The texture of this pud was smoother than others, with small, finely chopped pieces of fruit and nut mixed into the sponge. It has a deep, dark colour which is attractive and a rich flavour thanks to a trio of brandy, cider and rum. It’s ideal for smaller groups or if you need Christmas pud for other recipes, such as a twist on Eton mess.

Collections Jewelled Fruit & Nut Cake, 755g, £20, M&S

Small but mighty, this cake is the ideal treat for those who adore Christmas cake but don’t want to find themselves with lots of leftovers. The top is generously decorated with large pieces of fruit and nuts and an attractive glaze. There is a subtle citrus note thanks to the clementine marzipan and the tin can be re-used for future bakes.

No. 1 Rich Fruit Cake, 1.5kg, £18.50, Waitrose & Partners

Rose exclaimed, ‘It’s everything you could want from a Christmas cake.’ This has a chic design with a subtle shimmer and attractive pine cone icing decorations. Senior food writer Jessica Ransom remarked on the even ratio of marzipan to icing and said, ‘The generous fruit helps give the cake crumb good structure for a satisfying mouthfeel.’