What exactly IS "figgy pudding"?

[VictoriaL]

Okay, I've had that line from the song "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" running through my head all day (which is infinitely preferable to any line from "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas...) and I need to know-- what is "figgy pudding"? I like figs, and am wondering if anyone has a recipe for this. :D

[funniegrrl]

Well ... it's a pudding (British definition, a steamed sturdy souffle-like thing) made with fig and spices and sometimes alcohol. I bet if you google it you'll come up with a bunch of recipes.

[VictoriaL]

Google!!! Thanks, funniegrrl!
(I was trying the CL search and another recipe website-- I forget about the wonderous Google!!!)

If interested check this one out, Mary Crachit's Christmas Figgy Pudding-- complete with step-by-step instructions and photos. I'm going to do this one... :)

http://www.whitington.com/unclebubba/wing/figgy/

[Alethea]

I think the best part of figgy pudding is the custard sauce that goes on top of it, though I've also seen it served with a butter hard sauce which is good too. If you've had a steamed pudding before it's basically like that. Not really a pudding, but a super moist, dense cake. The batter is poured into a mold that's set in water and steamed in the oven. My mother makes one every year or so. She just uses a bundt pan set in a water bath. Her version has dried figs, apples, raisins, citrus peel, walnuts, and warm spices. I guess it's kind of like a fruitcake. Add a glass of port and it's a lovely winter treat! I too would be interested in any recipes others have. (And I need to make a mental note to get my mother's version from her too.)

[SammyOD]

HAHA, that's funny that you asked that. I know there has been many of Christmas seasons where I've asked myself the same question. Now I know! Thanks ;)

[little_bopeep]

Originally posted by VictoriaL
"I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas"

Thank you oh, so very much, Victoria!! It's here to stay, now! :D :D :D And hippopotamuses like me, too.