On a training course today. Had lunch with two very pleasant women from British Columbia who were on a part-working, part-holiday trip to London. One of them turned to me and said "May I ask a silly question? Why do the English call dessert "pudding"? " I drew upon my exhaustive reading of Jilly Cooper to reply that, strictly speaking, dessert was fruit served as part of a meal, after the main course. Someone across the table opined that pudding was anything you ate with custard.

I wonder if whether you call it pudding or dessert is related to social class. The Headmaster of a posh independent school I used to work in always called it pudding. In my working class family it was called "afters" or pudding. At school it was afters, too. Perhaps "dessert" belongs to the middle classes, especially those who've spent time in the US, or see it as a more modern term?

I throw this one open to comment. Are you "pudding" or "dessert"?

In other news, I celebrated payday with an Indian Head Massage. It was lovely, and I will go back. Feeling very relaxed at the moment.