I tried the addictive 'ber month' treats from my favourite Edinburgh bakery
These goodies will keep you afloat
I think I have a spot of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
I should probably buy myself one of those special curative UV lamps, except I don’t want my electricity bill to surge any higher than it has already. Thus, in the absence of any vitamin D, I have decided to survive the ‘ber’ months by treating myself to comforting snacks. Since one of the seven branches of Edinburgh (and Melrose) bakery, Twelve Triangles, is near my house, I can always dip into their wee larder.
It’s been a year of change for this 11-year-old company, since co-founder Emily Cuddeford left in the summer, but, so far, it seems to be business as usual. All the nice things remain the same.
The shelves are still stocked with sugar-dusted delights. They continue to offer their staple seasonal cinnamon buns - I’m hoping for a revival of last year’s pumpkin number - scones, almond croissants, bread and millionaire’s shortbread. I also love their porridge loaf, when the weather is cold and you want a sturdy slice. There are also a few pantry items that are available in the shops and online.
From November onwards, you’ll find Christmas puddings that contain quince, sultanas, currants, figs, cherries, apricot and sourdough breadcrumbs, as well as the special walnut and brown butter frangipane mince pies that are as decadent as this genre can get. It’s too soon to actually eat any of that though. I don’t want to get Slade and Chris Rea on yet.
More appropriate and, back for 2026, they’re also currently offering their amazing croissant biscotti (£5.95).
I first encountered this additive treat a couple of years ago, at the launch of online business Delli, which was a stockist of a few of Twelve Triangles’ goodies, and also offered a chocolate-dipped version of these treats. Basically, squashed pieces of day-old croissant are sliced, immersed in cream, butter, salt and sugar, then caramelised in the oven. It’s crunchy and compulsive eating that will leave your palate coated with butter, and I love one with a coffee.
My last pack was very well fired until chestnut-coloured, and I liked that bitter tang, along with the salty sweetness. They’re so addictive that they should probably be made illegal.
Another seasonal favourite is the Spiced Plum Jam (£6.75), though they also do other preserves, including a Whey Caramel (£6.50) that’s a dulce-de-lechey-ish delight.
However, this wintery jam was new to me, and, once I’d got the lid off, the compote smelt so juicy, sharp and lemony that it made my mouth water. The ‘spiced’ bit is very subtle, we could only detect a hint of cinnamon. That’s fine, as my other half finds any mulled wine flavours pretty repellent.
Anyway, a large teaspoon on a mid-morning crumpet is the way to go. It trickled through the holes, stained our fingertips and left the plate smeared with ruby red.
Really, this is my dream jam. Maybe the ‘ber’ months aren’t so bad after all.
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