Black and White (or Mealie) Puddings

Pig-killing was a communal time when everyone gathered to help. As a contributor to the North East Review remembers: ‘Come time the skins were a’ filled up, and tied, and jabbit wi’ a darner (needle), and they were ready for the pot. They were biled an oor. It wis easy the langest oor I mind on. My teeth wid be watering till I slivert, and when they lifted the lid o’ the pot to see the water wisna biling in – oh! the guff (smell) that filled the kitchie. The tastings, or the preens, as my mother ca’ed them, were first oot and nae wirds could tell ye fit they tastit like – as the poet his’t – “warm reeking rich”, ye dinna see the like the day.’