Images: Stoney Acre Produce
Now that we’re in November, it’s almost time to start getting in the festive spirit. Whether that’s putting up the tree, decorating the house, or taking the kids to see Santa, Christmas is fast approaching. If you’re keen to impress the family this December, we’re sure making the perfect meal, with the perfect dessert, is on the top of your to-do list. And if a Christmas pudding is what takes your fancy, there’s a small South Australian-owned business that’s been named the maker of the ‘Best Christmas Pudding’ at two different awards, that’s sure to bring the wow factor to your December 25th.
Tracey Wade was first inspired to start making puddings after a friend set her a challenge. “I have a friend from England, and he had always said “You can’t get a good Christmas pudding in Australia.” Of course, that was challenge accepted,” said Tracey.
“I made him one of mine and he loved it, and every year I continued to make them for him as a Christmas present. He would say “Oh my God, you should be selling these, they’re amazing. There’s nothing available like this here.” So that’s what really inspired me to start.”
So with the nudge from a friend, Tracey launched her business, Stoney Acre Produce. Based in the Southern Flinders, Tracey uses a recipe that’s been passed down through five generations, and sells a limited stock from October until sold out.
Earlier this year Tracey saw success at The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph, where she won first place in the Registered Kitchen Plum Pudding category. She followed this win by entering in the Sydney Fine Food Show, as she knew these were awards where they gave feedback to the entrants.
“We entered the Sydney competition purely because it was the only competition that I knew of that actually gave feedback. So I entered that one to see which areas we could improve, how our packaging held up, all those sorts of things.
“When we got the results and saw that we got a gold medal we were shocked. The write-up basically said “rich and dense in all the right ways. A perfect example of a Christmas pudding.” Which was amazing, and definitely not the feedback we were anticipating. I was thrilled.”
Now with all this fantastic recognition, Stoney Acre Produce’s puddings are in high demand. The first year Tracey made just 20 puddings, and now they produce well over a tonne each year, selling to customers across six countries.
The puddings take a long time to make and perfect. “They have to mature, and the longer they sit, the better they get,” said Tracey. “We let them mature before we sell them, so people are getting a product that’s good to go at its best. We’d use big dates, prunes, apricots, so they’re all the more decadent. In my mind, you can’t have a figgy pudding or a plum pudding without figs or plums. So we’ve got all those in there, and we do it all by hand.”
Tracey says having a pudding, whether it’s one of hers or one you’ve made yourself, makes Christmas all the more special.
“For me, it is all about tradition and I’m sure my grandma would come back and strap me if I didn’t do a Christmas pudding at Christmas. For me, continuing these traditions is my way of honouring all the people that aren’t at the table anymore. That’s what makes it so special.”
If you’re keen to get your hands on a Stoney Acre Produce pudding you’ll have to get in quick as they’re almost sold out for the season. You can order directly from their website, or check them out at the Central Markets. Tracey also pops up at different markets local to her and some around the state, so keep an eye on their socials to see where they’ll be.
To check out Stoney Acre Produce, click here.
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