What is Figgy Pudding, Besides Lyrics of a Christmas Song? [Recipe]

What IS figgy pudding?  Well, based on my research, it a pudding containing figs that is most often made during Christmas. It can be cooked a bunch of different ways,  baked, steamed in the oven, boiled or fried. But there is some history to it too.

There is actually history of figgy pudding, other than lyrics to a favorite Christmas tune, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  It dates back to the 16th century in England. They would mash figs thickened with bread together with cream and boil it with the end result, a type of custard.  I think I'll categorize it with Lutefisk, and let someone else bring it to the potluck, but if you're brave enough to try it, here's the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups chopped dried pitted dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces or 7 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 75 grams (2 1/2-ounces) dark chocolate, grated
• Butter, for coating ramekins
• Ice cream or whipped cream, for garnish

SAUCE

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 200 grams (7-ounces or 14 tablespoons) butter
• Fresh figs, quartered, for garnish
• Vanilla ice cream, optional
• Whipped heavy cream, optional

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

• Add the dates, dried figs and water to a medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the baking soda. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then add to a blender and puree.

• Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add the eggs and beat well. Fold in the flour, the pureed date mixture and the chocolate.

• Put the mixture into 4 buttered, 1-cup individual ramekins, filling halfway or slightly under. Put in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

• Prepare the sauce by stirring the sugar, cream and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Simmer until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the butter and stir until incorporated.

• Remove the ramekins from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. May be served in the ramekin or unmolded onto a small serving plate. With paring knife cut a cross in the top of the puddings for the sauce.

• Pour the sauce into the cross in the center of each pudding, then pour more sauce over the puddings and it allow to soak in slightly. Top with fresh figs and vanilla ice cream or heavily whipped cream. Serve warm.

It looks kinda involved....but, to add excitement when you're serving your figgy pudding, sing the chorus, "Now bring us some figgy pudding" as you carry it to the table. :)

Recipe:  foodnetwork.com