Festive food

Little Hampshire honey pudding Christmas is a time for celebration and giving, and what better way to celebrate than with Hampshire’s fabulous food and drink, together with the opportunity to win a special gift from Hampshire Fare member, the Aviator Hotel and restaurant in Farnborough (see competitions page).

Make the most of quality local ingredients for your Christmas dinner and entertaining by shopping direct from local producers at farm shops and Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, as well as independent delicatessens and butchers. And, for an original gift, send a loved one a Hampshire Hamper filled with delicious food and drink produced here in Hampshire. By buying local, you’re reducing food miles and supporting Hampshire’s rural economy and countryside, as well as enjoying delicious seasonal produce. Find out more at the Hampshire Fare website.

Little Hampshire Honey Puddings

(serves 6)	METRIC	IMPERIAL
Self-raising flour	175g	7oz
Local butter, softened	175g	7oz
Caster sugar	175g	7oz
3 large local free-range eggs
6 tbsp Hampshire honey, plus extra for drizzling

Little Honey Puddings is one of 12 seasonal recipes from "Cooking the South Downs Way", and a great alternative to Christmas pudding. Visit the Hampshire Fare website to download a copy.

Method

Put some water on to heat in a steamer
Using an electric hand mixer, whisk together the flour, butter, sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
Grease the inside of six mini pudding basins with a little oil or butter, then add a tablespoon of honey to each. Divide the cake mixture between the tins, then cover each one with a piece of buttered foil.
Put the puddings in the steamer and cook for for 35–45 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil and turn the puddings out into bowls. Drizzle over a little extra honey and serve with your favourite local ice cream.