Saturday, 24 August 2019

The birthday lunch – the puds


The old ones are the best and seasonal even better. I decided to showcase both - a traditional summer pudding using strawberries – two ticks! Three if you count the fact that you make it 12-24 hours ahead so another “make ahead” tick. It also looks spectacular when it's turned out.

I'm not sure why – I think I have OCOCD – obsessive compulsive over catering disorder - I have to serve two puds – so I've decided it will be roasted rhubarb too – more ticks, make ahead and freeze too.

Strawberry and rhubarb are another marriage made in heaven, so whatever combination the guests desire.

Back to the Strawberry Summer Pudding, I know I've mentioned it before on the blog but it's worth repeating - it uses fresh fruits in season and uses Madeira cake and not the traditional bread. For those out there who have been kind enough to follow the blog since the beginning, you'll know already of my aversion to dishes like rice pudding, sago and semolina – wet bread joins that list!
Strawberry Summer Pudding


1kg ripe strawberries, hulled
8 tbsp caster sugar
4 tbsp lemon juice

Cut the strawberries in half – or quarters if large – place in a large saucepan with the sugar and lemon juice. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and then simmer. Turn the heat to low, cover and cook for 8/10 minutes until dark in colour and syrupy. Let the compote cool.

Madeira cake – I use an inexpensive shop bought cake (265g) – sliced lengthways into quarter inch/5mm slices and neatened. Here's where it's difficult to predict whether you'd need one cake or two – cake size varies depending which supermarket you use. I'd err on the side of caution and opt for two. For the size of basin stated, it takes approximately 10 slices of cake.

Assembly up next.


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