CHRISTMAS CLASSICS
Deer-licious Sticky Toffee Pudding, 600g, £10, waitrose.com Crowned with gingerbread antlers, this showstopper will prove popular with the whole family. The sponge is moist and light, with a warming hint of ginger. Top with the accompanying butterscotch sauce for a bit of tabletop theatrics.
Traditional Yule Log, 1kg, £54.95, patisserie-valerie.co.uk
If you’re planning a large gathering, this big beauty is made for the limelight. It easily serves a crowd of 16 or more and is delivered frozen for ultimate convenience. Iced in silky Italian buttercream and dressed up with sweet edible decorations, food director Jen Bedloe loved this nostalgic bake, commenting, ‘It’s rich, chocolatey and delicious!’
Rosebud Preserves Mince Pies, pack of 8, £12, rosebudpreserves.co.uk
Filled with almond and orange-scented mincemeat, we loved these for their classic look and well-balanced spice. The pastry was the best we tried, being buttery and crumbly. Finished with a crunchy sugared top, they tasted even better warmed. Lovingly handmade, these couldn’t be beaten on flavour.
Traditional Christmas Pudding, 908g, £30, cartwrightandbutler.co.uk
If a flaming pudding is essential at your table, you can’t go wrong with this classic. Praised for
