Puddings And Pies

[poliphilo]

You can laugh all you like at traditional English cooking, but no-one does desserts like we do. No-one else even really tries. The continental Europeans make finicky little pastry things- and very good they are too- and the Indians have all those brightly coloured sweets, but there's nothing in any other national cuisine to match our puddings and pies.

British deserts are heavy. They're comfort food-  stodge- a defence against the British weather. The miracle ingredient is suet. 

I was talking to Judy about Christmas puddings and mince pies. Judy is a New Yorker and she wasn't sure she'd ever had either. I was incredulous. I can't imagine Christmas without puddings and pies. Oh, and cake. These are the things that make the winter months bearable. I'm being entirely serious when I say that Christmas pudding- served with brandy butter for preference, but custard or cream will do- is the most delicious dish known to Man.

I've already started making mince pies. I make a batch, we eat them, I make some more. It's what's keeping us going. Ailz tells me I have a particularly light touch with pastry.

Comments

[solar-diablo.livejournal.com]

Funny you should post this today. I stopped at the grocery store this morning on the way in to work, and what do I see but premade Christmas puddings for sale. They were packaged in bowls the size of a large orange. I've been tempted to make one for quite some time now - maybe I'll buy one of them, and if I like it make one from scratch for Christmas. I'm glad you say they are both easy to make and delicious.

I'm going to have Tiny Tim's voice in my head for the remainder of the day, now.

[solar-diablo.livejournal.com]

oops - I guess it was jfs who said they were easy to make. :P

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

He's right. It's basically just a case of mixing a lot of ingredients together in a large bowl.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Yes, do buy one. I don't think you'll be disappointed.