Happy holidays, dear readers! It’s that time of the year again, when we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the season and indulge in delicious treats. And what better way to satisfy our sweet tooth than with some warm and comforting figgy pudding? This traditional British dessert has been enjoyed for centuries and it’s easy to see why. With its rich and fruity flavors, it’s the perfect way to end a festive meal and cozy up by the fire.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our ultimate figgy pudding recipe that will surely impress your guests. But first, let’s explore the history and origins of this beloved dessert. The first recorded recipe for figgy pudding dates back to the 16th century and it was traditionally served on Christmas Eve. In fact, the famous line “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” was originally sung by carolers who demanded figgy pudding as a reward for their songs. Today, figgy pudding is still a popular choice for holiday gatherings and it’s easy to see why it’s stood the test of time.
Figgy Pudding Recipe
Introduction
Figgy pudding is a traditional British dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. It’s a delicious combination of dried figs, nuts, and spices that are steamed to create a moist and flavorful dessert. The history of figgy pudding can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was known as “plum pudding” due to the addition of plums in the recipe.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make figgy pudding, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped dried figs
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1 egg
Here’s how to prepare the figgy pudding:
1. Grease a 1-quart pudding mold or heat-safe bowl with butter.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the dried figs, chopped nuts, breadcrumbs, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pudding mold and cover with a lid or double-layered piece of aluminum foil.
6. Place the pudding mold in a pot with a steamer basket or on a trivet and add enough water to come up about 1/3 of the way up the sides of the mold.
7. Cover the pot and steam the pudding for 2 to 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Carefully remove the pudding mold from the pot and let it cool for about 10 minutes before unmolding onto a plate.
Serve the figgy pudding warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or custard if desired.
Tips and Variations
– Make sure to grease the pudding mold or bowl well to prevent sticking.
– If you don’t have a steamer basket or trivet, you can use a makeshift one by placing a heat-safe dish or ramekin upside down in the pot, then placing the pudding mold on top of it.
– To add some extra flavor, you can mix in some chopped candied citrus peel or a splash of brandy or rum with the wet ingredients.
– If you want a denser pudding, you can use more breadcrumbs and less flour in the recipe. Alternatively, you can use all flour for a lighter texture.
– Leftover figgy pudding can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice the pudding into wedges and microwave for a few seconds or steam for a few minutes until heated through.
How to Serve Figgy Pudding
Figgy pudding is a traditional Christmas dessert in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. It’s a moist, sticky, spicy pudding made with dried fruit and suet, which is usually served with a spoonful of brandy butter or custard sauce. In this article, we will discuss the different ways on how to serve figgy pudding and suggestions for pairing it with other desserts or beverages.
Traditional Serving Methods
Figgy pudding is traditionally served during the holiday season, particularly on Christmas Day. The dessert is usually steamed or boiled and served hot with a dollop of brandy butter or custard sauce. The warmth of the pudding complements the coldness of the sauce, making it a perfect dessert for winter.
Figgy pudding is also a significant part of other cultures and celebrations. In some parts of the world, like the United States and Canada, it is consumed during Thanksgiving or holiday celebrations. It is also a dessert prepared during the Kwanzaa festival in the African-American culture in the US.
In many cultures, this Christmas pudding is a symbol of love and sharing. In some families, the pudding is cut into slices and shared with loved ones. The oldest member of the family usually gets the first slice, followed by the rest of the family in order of age.
Alternative Serving Suggestions
Although figgy pudding is a delicious dessert, some people want to try different ways of serving it. Here are some alternative serving suggestions.
First, you could try serving figgy pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coldness of the ice cream complements the warm and spicy pudding. You could also try serving it with whipped cream.
Secondly, you could try spreading some jam or jelly on top of the pudding. This will give the pudding a sweet tangy flavor. For example, you could try serving figgy pudding with cranberry sauce, strawberry jam, or raspberry jam.
Lastly, you could try serving figgy pudding with a slice of cheddar cheese. This combination of sweet and salty creates a unique taste.
As a beverage, you could pair figgy pudding with a glass of brandy or other liqueur to balance the sweet flavors.
Leftover Ideas
If you have any leftover figgy pudding, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Here are some ideas on how to reuse your leftover pudding.
You could try making a trifle by layering leftover figgy pudding with whipped cream, fruit, jelly or custard. You could also get creative and use the pudding as a filling for pies, tarts, or muffins.
Another idea is to crumble the leftover pudding and make figgy pudding ice cream. Blend the crumbled pudding with ice cream and freeze. You’ll have a unique and delicious ice cream flavor.
In conclusion, figgy pudding is a beloved holiday dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you choose to serve it the traditional way or try some alternatives, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Even if you have any leftovers, there are many ways to reuse the pudding and make it into another delicious dessert.
A Sweet Conclusion
As we wrap up this article, we hope that you have enjoyed reading about the delicious and classic holiday dessert that is figgy pudding. We have provided you with an easy-to-follow recipe that will surely impress your family and friends during the holiday season. The warming spices and sweet figs create the perfect balance in this dessert, which is sure to become a family favourite. So, this holiday season, why not give our figgy pudding recipe a try?
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope that we have provided you with some inspiration for your holiday baking. Don’t forget to check back for more delicious recipes and baking tips. Happy holidays and happy baking!
FAQ
What does figgy pudding taste like?
The pudding has a rich, dense, and moist texture. It has a sweet taste due to the use of dried figs, raisins, and brown sugar. It is also flavored with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Can I make figgy pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, allowing the pudding to sit for a few days can intensify the flavors. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What can I substitute for suet?
If you are unable to find suet, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter or vegetable shortening.
What kind of alcohol can I use?
Traditionally, brandy or rum is used to make figgy pudding. However, you can use any alcohol that you prefer or even skip it altogether.
Can I freeze figgy pudding?
Yes, figgy pudding freezes well. After it has cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make figgy pudding without eggs?
Yes, you can make figgy pudding without eggs. Simply use a flax or chia egg substitute instead. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. To make a chia egg, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water.
Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs?
Fresh figs contain more liquid than dried figs, which may affect the texture of the pudding. It’s best to stick with dried figs for this recipe.
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed graham crackers, cornflakes, or oats instead.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use any type of milk that you prefer. Dairy milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work well in this recipe.
What size pudding basin should I use?
We recommend using a 1-litre pudding basin for this recipe. If you don’t have a pudding basin, you can use a heatproof bowl or a deep cake pan instead.
