Page 59 of Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

‘No, maybe in two though.’ Tom winked.

‘He sounds like Moss then,’ Eve laughed. ‘It’s definitely a male thing.’

‘Right, there must be something else.’ Tom rubbed his chin as he was thinking. ‘Oh yes, what about a crumble of some kind?’

Eve caught Rachel’s eye and couldn’t help but snigger. Rachel felt herself blush, and gave her friend a small kick under the table.

‘Of course, how did we miss that off?’ Jill said. ‘That’s great, we could do different flavours depending on what’s in season. Yes, there could be apple and blackberry, a warming winter cinnamon apple and in summertime, rhubarb or apple and raspberry.’ Jill’s creative flair was flowing now.

‘With cream, custard or ice cream,’ Rachel suggested.

‘Or what about all three on top?’ Tom grinned greedily.

‘Sounds good to me. Delicious,’ Eve agreed, with a cheeky smile.

‘We’re planning on having a few savoury options too. Any ideas?’ Rachel prompted, realising that it’d be good to get the male perspective. ‘We’re thinking more of light bites really.’

‘Tell you what, after an early start on the farm, I’d love to call in for a bacon sarnie for elevenses.’

‘That’s it. We could use the home-cured bacon from Glendale Farm, on thick slices of Kirkton Bakery fresh bread. Wow, I think we’re nearly there.’ Rachel sounded animated. ‘I can type all this up on a Word doc, once we’ve set the prices, and then print it off on some nice cream-coloured card. One for each table and another for the counter top.’

‘Right then, I’d call that a success. Anyone for more flapjack?’ Jill passed the plate around. ‘I’d better get myself baking again soon then, I’m going to be busy.’

Rachel smiled across at her mum. She could tell Jill was excited at the prospect of opening the Pudding Pantry and it was lovely to see. There was a spring in her step and a brightness in her smile that hadn’t been there for such a long while. It was brilliant that their family and friends were involved too, here around the table at the start of something special. Her wonderful support group was there rooting for her and Jill, straight from the off, and Rachel felt blessed to have them – her lovely Pudding Pantry team!