We’ve scoured Cheshire to discover dreamy treats for your Christmas dining
Caramel Gugelhoph, G Wienholt
The renowned G Wienholt Bakery's cakes and desserts have had passersby pressing their faces up to their shop window for decades - it all started in the 1860s when young confectioner Ferdinand Wienholt came from Germany to find his fortune. The display in their Alderley Edge bakery is a sight to behold with trays laden with sweet treats that will wow your guests whether it is for the main event on Christmas Day or a pre December 25th gathering. Their caramel gugelhoph - part bread, part cake - has a delicious hint of rum and comes topped with walnuts, sultanas and pumpkin seeds. Can't choose what to get? Try one of their Christmas gateaux or traditional iced Christmas cakes too.
www.gwienholt.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cranberry and fig ice cream, Backford Belles
The Littler family have farmed their lands, just outside of Cheshire since the 1950s. It was a decade ago they started using milk from their herd of jersey cows to produce ice cream. They have produced a wide choice of festive flavours - think cranberry fig and ice cream, brandy custard, candied chestnut and whisky and ginger - as well as mulled wine, lemon and prosecco and bucks fizz sorbets, proving that ice cream doesn't just have to be for the summer. Pre-order a must.
www.backfordbelles.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clotton Clotted Cream, Clotton Hall Farm
While not strictly a dessert in its own rights, we'd argue this is an essential addition to any plate furnished with sticky toffee pudding or a warm mince pie. It's produced by rural start-up, Clotton Hall Farm, who use milk from their free range Jersey, Danish Red and Holstein cows to produce their Great-Taste-Award-winning clotted cream.
Various stockists across Cheshire. www.clottonhalldairy.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mince pies, The Lambing Shed
The Mitchell family of Moseley Hall Farm have been responsible stewards of the land on their Knutsford farm. In their Farm Shop, there is fine food and drink from around the county as well as their own homemade goodies - their cakes and pies are heavenly. But no Christmas would be complete without a mince pie - something the talented bakers at The Lambing Shed are complete whizzes at.
www.thelambingshed.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christmas pudding, The Hollies Farm Shop
Christmas is celebrated in style at The Hollies - so much so they dedicate a whole barn to it. In here you'll find gift ideas, trees and decorations. It's a great place to pick up a fantastic foodie hamper too. But you'll also find mulling syrups, festive foods and their succulent - and all important - Christmas pudding.
www.theholliesfarmshop.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whisky and marmalade bread and butter pudding, Cheerbrook Farm Shop
If you love to impress but prefer spending time toasting your guests than spending hours baking, Cheerbrook Farm Shop in Nantwich have just the thing in this lovely pudding. A taste of Christmas in every mouthful, this classic pud serves six to eight people, meaning you can relax and join in the festivities.
www.cheerbrook.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
