THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS TASTE TEST
Festive essentials
Quintessentially Christmassy and delicious, too.
BEST CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Champagne Pudding, 400g, £4.49, Aldi (main picture)
This glittering champagne-soaked pud will no doubt impress all your guests. For even more theatre, we recommend a sparkler or two, as the fruit-rich topping makes it difficult to light in the traditional sense.
BEST MINCE PIE
Biscuiteers Handmade Mince Pies, 600g, £15, biscuiteers.com
Indulgently deep-filled, these mince pies may not please traditionalists, but the generous layer of frangipane that covers the mincemeat is undeniably tasty. Big enough to share, but we won’t judge those who don’t.
BEST CHRISTMAS CAKE
No.1 Rich Fruit Cake, 1.3kg, £16, Waitrose & Partners
This was a real standout winner. Judges adored the simple, yet effective, decoration and praised the rich flavour and pleasant texture of the inside.
