An ode to Yorkshire Pudding

Image credit: DALL-E ("create a christmas dinner of just yorkshire pudding, so much yorkshire pudding that the table overflows - and include a human looking at it with fear and excitement")

I'm using the first post on my new site to wax lyrical about Yorkshire puddings. A great use of internet column inches for sure.

Controversially for a Brit, I don't love a Sunday roast. I think they're a bit bland, and are very easy to turn out average. However, there are two shining knights on the plate when a roast is served, pigs in blankets and Yorkshire puddings. I'm disappointed when a roast doesn't have AT LEAST one Yorkshire pudding (full sized of course) on the plate. I think it's a staple of the British roast, and should be added to EVERY single roast.

Why am I writing this? I learned that the in-laws don't think a Yorkshire pudding should be on the table at Christmas lunch. So I wanted to make a case for the humble Yorkshire pie.

As a millenial, I went straight to Instagram and ran a poll.

72% voted yes. Seismic, wholesale political changes of direction have been decided with smaller margins than that. I had messages of outrage for fellow Yorkshire pudding lovers, offers to take me in for Christmas dinner, all in support. Only one "no" voter had the courage to message and challenge the veracity of the poll.

Why are they so popular? A vessel for gravy. A batter-y goodness that complements meat, veg or nut roast. A pillow for roast potatoes to rest their heads. A way to hide the taste of the less popular veg (who likes sprouts really?). I vital part of the palate for a roast.

Most people who voted no who I've spoken to have pointed out that the best Yorkshire recipes all have beef fat in them, and as you traditionally don't have beef on Christmas Day, you can't make them. Not to fear, Waitrose have come to save the day. Add this to your last minute food shop.

To anyone thinking about having their Christmas roast without Yorkshire dinners, you should reconsider.

Update: 21st December

I plucked up the courage to suggest in the in-law family Whatsapp group. To my shock, my father-in-law has come to the rescue, and suggested that Yorkshire Pudding will make it to the table. A space has been cleared in the kitchen and an airfryer is en route to free up some oven space.

Yorkshire pudding lovers, rejoice.