Page 36 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

They knew they had to keep thinking positively and believe in themselves. Would they be able to pull it off? The proof, of course, would be in the pudding …

The evening rolled around quickly. Rachel wanted there to be a different ambience for the Pudding Club – as the November nights drew in, she envisaged it to be a toasty haven from the outside world; a place where people could escape and enjoy the warmth and glow of new company. She’d set out some tealight candles on the dressers, as well as lighting a couple of lamps. The log-burning stove was glowing cosily and she’d pushed two tables together to make one big area for the group to gather, ideal to get everyone together and hopefully chatting. An informal and friendly atmosphere was what she was trying to achieve, so fingers crossed it would work.

With just a quarter of an hour to go, Jill came in after collecting Granny Ruth. ‘Ooh, this looks nice, love.’

Maisy was helping, setting out cups and saucers carefully on the countertop ready for the arrival of their guests. ‘Hello, Granny! We’re nearly ready.’

‘Aye, and doesn’t it look lovely in here, lassies,’ said Ruth, taking in the softly-lit barn with the Pudding Club table set out with tasting spoons and a little posy of pink carnations set in a milk jug at its centre. ‘Oh, and the twinkly lights outside look good too – very welcoming. Aye, you’re doing a grand job here as always. Now then, is there anything I can help you with, Rachel?’

‘No, but thank you, Granny. I think we’re about ready, so take a seat. We’ll be making some tea and coffee shortly, as soon as our guests arrive.’

‘That’s fine, pet. I’m in no rush.’

Rachel stood at the counter, taking in the Pantry in front of her. They had come so far with this project already; the barn looked so pretty, transformed like this, with its natural stone walls brought back to life, gently glowing in the candlelight, the cosy wooden tables, the new kitchen area and counter, the chandeliers. Maybe this was just the last push they needed to really get this business off the ground.

First on the scene, just a few minutes later, were Charlotte and Eve. ‘My goodness, what is that divine aroma?’ Charlotte was grinning as she strolled in.

‘Hah, it’ll be Mum’s toffee apple crumbles warming in the oven,’ answered Rachel.

‘Ooh, I can’t wait to test those out,’ said Eve. ‘I purposely had a small portion of supper, so I could make the most of the tastings here. Hello, Maisy, how are you sweetheart?’

‘Good, thanks. I’m a helper-outer tonight.’

‘Oh, how exciting. And I’m sure you’re doing a really great job.’

‘Yes, I’ve got all the cups ready for drinks,’ she said proudly. She loved being a part of everything. And she was delighted to be having a late night on a school evening, by special permission.

Next to enter were two young mums, Hannah and Kirsty, who hadn’t booked, but who often called in at the Pantry with their toddlers for morning coffee and cakes. Rachel knew Hannah from the school gates, as she had an older child too.

‘Hi, Rachel. Hello, Jill.’

‘Lovely to see you here, girls,’ said Jill warmly.

‘We’ve managed to escape. Sorry we didn’t book in, but we weren’t sure if we could sort the childcare. But the other halves are in charge of the kids for the night. So, we get a bit of a time out – bliss.’

‘Oh yes, we made it sound very educational, so they thought we weren’t just out for a jolly.’ Hannah winked.

‘As long we go home and bake something new and scrumptious through the week, I’m sure the family will be happy. We’re looking for inspiration,’ added Kirsty.

‘Well, that’s what the club’s all about,’ answered Rachel with a smile. ‘So, I’m sure you’ll find some. And if not … we have some great puddings to take away.’ Rachel winked back, as the ladies grinned.

‘That’s us sorted then,’ said Hannah.

‘Okay, I’ll pop the kettle on and make some tea and coffee while we wait for the others to arrive. What would you like?’ Jill offered.

The two women replied and then sat down next to Eve and Charlotte, starting to chat straight away. There was a nice friendly atmosphere in the room already, phew.

Next in were husband and wife duo Nigel and Pamela, who said they were keen bakers and had travelled the fifteen miles from Alnwick to find out all about the new pudding club that they’d read about excitedly in the paper. Then, two of Jill’s friends from the local WI appeared.

Last to arrive, and just a couple of minutes late, was Daniel, the gentleman who worked at the care home, who’d spoken with Jill a couple of days ago. He was tall and broad (Rachel thought in a comfy-looking way, as though he enjoyed his food but might also do a little exercise too). He looked to be in his late forties, with a silvery-grey short beard and closely cropped hair.

He gave a warm smile. ‘I’m sorry I’m a little late, I do hope I’ve not held you up.’

‘It’s no problem. We were just getting settled in and introducing ourselves,’ answered Jill. ‘Can I get you a tea or coffee to start with?’

‘A coffee would be perfect. Milk and one sugar, thank you. I just had to stay on with one of our residents who was having trouble settling.’

‘Ah yes, you work at the Little Oaks Care Home, don’t you?’ added Jill.