THE highlight of any yuletide spread, Christmas puddings have got to be just right.

Husband and wife team Jo and Richie Evans, of Figgy's Puddings, based in Heavitree, Exeter, have come up with the perfect recipe, promising a pud just like one your grandmother used to make.

Now in its fourth year, Figgy's produces 2,000 puddings every Christmas and demand is growing. The tasty, seasonal desserts are sold online and in independent food shops all over the region.

The couple have two young children Katy, two, and Jack, who is five months.

Jo works part-time as a marketing manager while Richie manages the business accounts and looks after the children from home.

Jo said: "The idea for the business came about when our homemade Christmas puddings were in high demand among friends.

"We use the same recipe we use to make our own Christmas pudding.

"We started making a big batch of Christmas puddings every year and gave them away to our friends and family.

"When we had glowing feedback we realised there could be business potential in puddings.

"People told us that our Christmas puddings tasted like the ones their grandmothers used to make, so we are capturing that old-fashioned, traditional feel.

"We perfected the recipe by testing it with different amounts of beer and brandy."

The pair now spend the summer months making the puddings at a rented bakery at Shillingford Organics, in Exeter.

The puds come in three sizes — small, which feeds two to three people and costs £9.50; medium, feeding four to six people, £13.50; and large, feeding eight to 10 people, £18.50.

Jo puts the depth of the taste down to using only the best ingredients

She said: "We always make sure we buy the best fine foods available. We don't cut any corners. We like to buy locally as well.

"The eggs are free-range and come from Greendale Farm Shop in Farringdon, Exeter.

"We use the fabulous Port Stout made by the Devon-based O'Hanlon's Brewery, and the warm and rich ten-year-old Somerset Cider Brandy made by the Somerset Distillery. Both of which we also highly recommend for after dinner relaxation."

Each Christmas pudding is matured in a ceramic bowl. Jo said: "Our puddings are steamed in ceramic bowls, allowing the flavours to develop to their full potential and producing a far superior result to plastic.

"The bowls are then wrapped in a 100 per cent cotton pudding cloth, allowing the pudding to breathe and the flavours to mature in the traditional way.

"By steaming the pudding to warm it, you'll ensure none of the fabulous flavours are lost."

Apart from website sales, which are doubling year on year, the puddings are sold at Christmas markets and events. Independent shops that sell the puddings include Bon Gout, Greendale Farmshop, Shillingford Organics, and Rod & Ben's, all in the Exeter area.

Jo said: "We have turned down orders from supermarkets before. They can demand a lot from small businesses like us and we would rather stick to local, smaller shops."

The proof is certainly in the pudding as they have scooped a host of awards including a Taste Of The West Gold award and a Great Taste award. Jo said: "It is very fulfilling to be recognised for all our hard work.

"Even though we only sell the puddings around Christmas we are busy working all-year round, taking orders, planning the batches and making the puddings in the summer."

Jo thinks the only way to eat Christmas pudding is by going local. She said: "It is all about having it with Devon clotted cream."

Details: 01392 459488 or visit www.figgys.co.uk