THE GREAT BRITISH PUDDING

Steamed or baked; layered or rolled; scattered with crumble; served hot with custard or cold with cream – the British pudding comes in countless shapes, sizes and styles. Our traditional puddings have become famed the world over.

The history of the British pudding is long and varied. Many recipes can be traced back through the centuries, immortalised in old cookbooks or passed down from one generation to the next. For many of us, a particular pudding can evoke childhood memories or nostalgia for the good-old days. For others, they promise the warmth and comfort of home, of meals shared with loved ones, or lazy Sunday afternoons.

The British pud is currently enjoying a much-deserved revival in popularity, with celebrity chefs and restaurants featuring traditional puddings on their menus. But whilst some recipes have been constantly revived and reinvented, such as our celebratory trifles and famous lemon meringue pie, others have been almost forgotten, such as the Kentish well pudding or apple dappy. This book celebrates them all, combining classics, new twists and lesser-known recipes rescued from the past. So whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, splashing out or cooking on a budget, you will find perfect puddings for every occasion.