Christmas pudding queen Mandy Krywulycz hears it every year: ‘‘I don’t like alcohol in my pud — can you take it out?’’ or, ‘‘I would love some macadamias in my pudding, could you add some?’’
And in the perfect response to customer demand Mrs Krywulycz, owner of Kurnell-based Itha’s Puddings, decided to introduce a ‘‘customise-your-pudding’’ option.
A user-friendly page on her website allows customers to choose everything from the size of the pudding — from 500 grams up to 3 kilograms — then opt for traditional triple chocolate or gluten-free traditional variety.
Tick a box for no alcohol (but removing this reduces the shelf life of your pud to three months) gluten-free or lactose-free, or add suet for $5.
Mrs Krywulycz said some of her older clients adored the texture and moistness that is gained only by adding suet.
Then add up to five ingredients from a list which includes cranberries, almonds, chocolate bits and glace cherries.
‘‘No one else in Australia is doing this,’’ she said.
With production already ramped up for her sixth Christmas, Mrs Krywulycz said she would have special cooking weekends for her customised puddings.
‘‘It is strictly controlled and it will be all-hands-on-deck, but I don’t expect to make money out of it,’’ she said.
November 15 is the cut-off date for customised puddings.
Itha’s Puddings will have a pop-up store near Officeworks Taren Point for the six weekends leading up to Christmas.
See food ideas at http://www.thehungrymum.com or follow on Twitter