I made a personal visit to Lavinia's, was given a complete tour of their fully approved and licensed kitchen facility and, of course, a taste sample. Lavinia explained to me that her Olde English Plum Puddings are prepared according to the nearly forgotten cooking art of her Grandmother's English heritage and in small batches; each wrapped in a cloth bag and immersed in boiling water. Once cooked it is cooled, packaged and aged for flavour.
I've never tasted a plum pudding as distinctive as Lavinia's. The similarity I find in plum puddings is a noticeable bitterness that varies from pudding to pudding. Lavinia's old English style plum pudding is void of bitterness, instead there's a perfect meld of clove, fruit, nuts and natural sweetness. The texture is both substantial and melt in your mouth. To prepare, it's best to slowly steam the pudding until heated, this gently reawakens the tasteful essence of the pudding. Microwave heating is somewhat harsh and tends to destroy the texture. The rum hard sauce, made on the premises too, is the perfect condiment slathered over warm plum pudding! Result, a truly gourmet plum pudding - Superb !
Makes a fine gift ! Well packaged in a sturdy, attractive gift box, the plum pudding is decoratively wrapped in clear cellophane and tied with colorful ribbon. Everything is hand prepared and done by Lavinia's trained staff. Truly a festive delight that's an incomparable Christmas cake or New Year dinner dessert.
Located in Nova Scotia's beautiful Annapolis Valley overlooking rolling farm country and lush hardwood forests, Lavinai's rustic home and attached commercial kitchen make the perfect setting for preparing cakes and puddings like Grandma made. Indeed, Lavinia has been cooking Olde English style Plum Puddings and Fruit Cakes for nearly 20 years and personally works hands-on while overseeing the entire operation, pot to packaging.
It's no wonder they carry the coveted "Taste of Nova Scotia"seal ensuring the highest standard of quality assurance. So go ahead indulge yourself, or give a gourmet gift to someone special. Either way, savour a culinary treat reminiscent of days of yore with Lavinia's Olde English style Plum Pudding and Peter's Hard Rum Sauce.
Exclusive, limited supply ! Lavinia, after more than twenty years of making this gourmet plum pudding, a favourite with all at Christmas and New Year, has retired the business and made the only remaining stock available to TESCO Ent., so be sure to get yours now. Once their gone that's it !
I've tasted many plum puddings in the kitchens of relatives since I was a boy. All similar, none truly distinct. In fact my wife makes an extraordinary plum pudding, my favorite until now. I have to be honest - Lavinia old recipe gourmet English style plum pudding takes the cake. But don' take just my word for it The Entertainment Editor of California's Daily Press reports, "...the most delicious holiday desert I've ever eaten..." 
