What do you think of when someone says “pudding?” If you’re like me who was born and raised in the United States, you would think of the creamy sweet stuff that comes from a box that you can make at home or comes in cup form in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. If you are British, however, it’s an entirely different story! The British pudding is a part of everyday life in Great Britain. It can be sweet or savory and can be used for just plain dinner or even to celebrate a holiday. Otherwise, it’s another term for dessert. They can be steamed, baked, or boiled.

Sweet puddings are popular, served with sauces like custard, lemon, and chocolate. There is the spotted dick, bursting with currants and raisins, usually served with a delicious custard. Next we have sticky toffee, which may look a bit ordinary from the outside but inside has dates and nuts! Of course, never forget the delicious sticky toffee! And my personal favorite, chocolate. You can either have it plain or with a nice hot chocolate sauce.

Savory puddings include Yorkshire puddings, which are made along with the Sunday roast, usually drizzled in gravy. Pease puddings are made with split peas and steams very nicely. There are even puddings with bacon – Mrs. Banyard’s Bacon pudding is a totally savory pudding. There are a surprising amount of puddings you can make.

If you ever want to make these scrummy little treasures, one would need something called a pudding basin. These bowls are very deep, are made with earthenware, and come in various sizes. When you use these, it’s best to cover your pudding bowl with greaseproof paper.

However, if you do not have time to be making puddings from scratch, you can always buy premade. They come in cans or even in little pots that are microwaveable. These can be enjoyed with homemade custard, from a mix, or one from a can as well. And always enjoy these with a nice cup of tea! Perhaps Nonsuch Estate or a good organic Darjeeling?

~CD