Page 55 of Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry

Tom had said it had been a very acrimonious split, but had he been telling her the full story? He always seemed to clam up whenever Caitlin was mentioned.

‘But what if it’s more than that, Eve? They were married for several years, after all.’

‘Well, I think you’re gonna have to ask Tom that question yourself, hun. He’s the only one who can answer it for you.’

Rachel really didn’t know how to even start a conversation like that.

‘Hey, don’t worry. I’m sure there’s some innocent explanation. There could be loads of reasons behind it. Or maybe it’s just someone who looks like his ex.’

‘Hah, that’s even worse. A glamorous lookalike on the scene, without the background of breaking his heart.’

‘Well, I’m sure you two will be just fine. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Rach. There’s no denying that. And remember, you’re the one he’s seeing now.’

‘Yes.’ Rachel nodded, trying to hide the mound of insecurities that were building inside her.

Just then, a couple with a toddler came in and asked if they had a high chair. Rachel took a deep breath and got up to fetch the one they kept there. Eve said she’d better be off anyhow, and set off with a cheery wave, ‘Catch you soon, hun. And remember, I’m here whenever you want to talk, okay?’

‘Yeah, thanks Eve, bye.’

Eve might have gone, but the conversation stayed with Rachel, leaving a distinctly uncomfortable aftertaste. If Caitlin had just been visiting, why had Tom not said a word about it? What was he hiding?

The Eighth Bake of Christmas

Granny Ruth’s Whisky & Orange Christmas Pudding

This is the sheet typed by Rachel and handed out at the Pudding Club …

Recipe:

250g dried mixed fruits

175g ready-to-eat stoned dates, chopped

85g dried cranberries

1tbsp freshly grated root ginger or ½ tsp ground ginger

Grated zest and juice of 1 large orange

100ml/3 ½ fl oz whisky or Grand Marnier

100g butter, room temperature

2 large eggs, beaten

50g self-raising flour

85g fresh white breadcrumbs

1tsp ground cinnamon

85g walnuts

Walnut topping and sauce:

100g butter

100g light muscovado sugar