Figgy pudding

Figgy pudding is a British-style pudding resembling something like a white Christmas pudding. The pudding may be baked, steamed in the oven, or boiled.

The history of figgy pudding dates back to 17th century England. The ancestor of figgy pudding (and plum pudding) is a medieval spiced porridge known as Frumenty. Today, the term "figgy pudding" is known mainly because of the Christmas carol "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," which mentions the pudding several times.

A recipe

A traditional English steamed pudding served during the Christmas holiday. This version calls for butter and shortening instead of suet, a solid white fat from the loin and kidney regions of meat animals.

Figgy Pudding with Custard Sauce

*1/2 cup butter
*1/2 cup vegetable shortening
*1 cup granulated sugar
*3 large egg yolks
*1 cup milk
*2 tablespoons rum extract (or flavored extract of your choice)
*1 apple, peeled and cored and finely chopped
*1 pound dried figs, ground or finely chopped
*Grated peel of 1 lemon and 1 orange
*1 cup chopped nuts
*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
*1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
*1 1/2 cups dried bread crumbs
*2 teaspoons baking powder
*3 large egg whites, stiffly beaten Custard Sauce (recipe follows) Sweetened whipped cream (optional) Preheat oven to 325*F (160*C). Generously grease an oven-proof 2-quart bowl or mold; set aside. Cream together butter and shortening. Gradually add sugar, egg yolks, milk, extract, apple, figs, lemon and orange peel. Add next 6 ingredients, mixing well. Fold stiffly beaten egg whites into mixture. Pour into prepared bowl or mold and place into large shallow pan and place on middle rack in oven. Fill the shallow pan half-full with boiling water and slowly steam pudding in oven at 325*F (160*C) for 4 hours, replacing water as needed. Custard Sauce:

*2 cups milk
*1 large egg
*3/4 cup granulated sugar
*1 tablespoon water
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
*1 tablespoon butter

In saucepan, scald milk and allow to cool. Mix together remaining ingredients, except for butter. Add to cooled milk. Cook over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter, mixing well. Serve pudding warm with custard sauce or sweetened whipped cream. Store unused portions in refrigerator. Makes 12 servings.