Is pudding more important than politics? As war rages and natural disasters abound, people are turning to comforting cake and chocolate. Some worry we are burying our heads in the soufflé.
Sweet treats roar back in grim world
Old banger: The British Christmas pudding descends from pottage, a kind of broth that included raisins, dried fruit, spices, wine, breadcrumbs and meat. Glossary
Gateau - A rich cake containing layers of cream or fruit.
Uptick - An increase or rise.
Solace - Comfort in times of sadness or worry.
Physiological - Relating to the way in which the body functions.
Kaffee - Coffee in German.
Kuchen - German for cake.
Baklava - A rich Greek and Middle Eastern dessert made of thin, flaky layers of pastry filled with chopped nuts, butter, and cinnamon and soaked in a honey or sugar syrup.
Lokum - A fragrant jelly candy recipe native to Turkey, otherwise known as Turkish Delight.
Ravaged - Severely damaged; devastated.