Bring us some figgy pudding

The Editor -

You probably remember the term "figgy pudding" from the old Christmas song, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

The dessert traditionally is served around Christmas and has quite a bit of Christian symbolism to tie in with the holiday. It contained 13 ingredients, which represented the 12 apostles and Jesus Christ. The cake was also adorned with a holly sprig on top to represent the crown of thorns Jesus wore in the Bible when he was crucified. Variations over the years have changed, but that is how it was originally prepared and presented.

It’s absolutely delicious if you are willing to put the time and effort into making it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 2 cups figs (dried, stems removed, chopped fine)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel (grated)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Garnish: Whipped cream

Steps to Make It:

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. In an electric mixer, cream the 1/2 cup of butter until it is fluffy.
  3. Add the 2 eggs and 1 cup of molasses and beat again.
  4. Add the 2 cups of figs, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon peel, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1/2 cup of walnuts. Blend for one minute
  5. Add the 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Blend until everything is incorporated completely
  6. Grease and flour an 8x4 inch soufflé dish and pour in the batter.
  7. Bake it in a 325 F oven for 1 hour. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Spoon the pudding out onto plates or cut it into wedges.
  9. Garnish with whipped cream.

You can also pour some brandy over it. In some cases, the alcohol is set on fire briefly to char the outside of the cake.