Welcome to Day 21 of Partners In A Pair Tree –
Kelly and Mo Celebrate December!
Christmas Figgy Pudding
I’ve been on Christmas figgy pudding duty for as long as I can remember.
The original recipe came from Margaret my dear friend who lives in New Zealand. It called for beef suet which became increasingly difficult to find. Thanks to the Internet I now happily make one that’s suet free and equally as delicious.
The making of Christmas figgy pudding is easy. It’s nowhere near as finicky as the Christmas Buche de Noel. Just toss together the ingredients, throw in the traditional handful of freshly sterilized dimes, spoon the lot into the pudding bowl, cover and steam. It’s the steaming that’s tricky. You need to have six straight hours of free time. Yes. Six straight hours.
Before I was married, I made the pudding on Christmas Eve. I was less organized then; Christmas figgy pudding ranked rather low on the nonexistent list. After enjoying the annual Christmas Eve dinner at my aunt and uncle’s I’d scream back home and throw the pudding together. Prior to putting it on to steam, I’d set my alarm clock. Multiple water level checks throughout the night were imperative. Needless to say, my sleep was somewhat sporadic.
Marriage changed the preparation timing in the land of Christmas figgy pudding. With a heightened awareness of the need to be organized, I efficiently whipped up the concoction a week in advance of our first Christmas. Perfection. The hard part was done. Or so I thought.
My sister was hosting the dinner at her home that year. Unfortunately the twenty-minute ride turned into an hour due to massive traffic jams caused by folks slowing down to gawk at a gigantic house fire. Upon arrival, our hostess brushed aside our profuse apologies and proudly showed off the lovely holly sprig she’d acquired. It would adorn the top of our pudding. It was then that I realised my weensy oversight. The Christmas figgy pudding was still on the counter … nestled in the steaming pot … at home. So much for being organized. My breathless offer to swiftly retrieve it was flatly refused. Dinner would be spoiled. We’d “eat the pudding on another night.”
Yes. Thank you. We did enjoy our lashings of Christmas figgy Pudding on New Year’s Eve.
A few years later I was given a one time reprieve from Christmas figgy pudding duty. My sister-in-law Lynn asked if she could bring it because I was hosting Christmas Dinner. I have to say it was delightful to be freed up from the six-hour steam session. While hers was perhaps a tad flatter in shape, it was just as delicious.
I’ve learned over the years that Christmas Figgy Pudding is an acquired taste. My children, now young adults still ask for a “taste sized version.” Frankly that sample request is likely due to the potential for coinage. Each serving contains at least two dimes.
This year I’m back on duty. I’m happy to report the darling is steamed and resting happily in the fridge. Fingers crossed that I remember to bring it. The chances are good. Since that fateful memory transgression, our kitchen back door is always dressed with a timely hand written reminder on Christmas Day.
”BRING THE CHRISTMAS FIGGY PUDDING!!!”
I am delighted to add my ornament to Day 21 of Partners in a Pair Tree. It is a photo of my 2012 Christmas Figgy Pudding.
That’s enough about our Christmas Figgy Pudding tradition. I’m curious about you? Do you give a fig about traditional Christmas pudding or do you prefer something else for dessert? If you’d care to share, I’d love to hear.
16 Responses
Sister Kel – six hours of steaming? I never knew that detail and I am ever so grateful that you continue to be the bringer of our dime-filled Figgy Pudding. Oh and please renember the Hard Sauce,too. Your grateful (never made a pudding in my life) sis, Wend
PS And the top photo…a Christmas Classic. One must have at least 200% proof brandy on hand for the flaming of the pudding and that , my friends is another post. ;~)
Yes – the hard sauce! That is worthy of a post unto itself. Re the 200% proof brandy – why is it that we never had flame issues when we were little? Was Nanny using 300% proof?
Love it Kelly ! I must admit to never having made a figgy pudding in my life, as that was always the job of my Mum, mother-in-law, or aunt. We always poured the brandy over top and lit it too, part of the charm , we never did the dimes though, it might have inticed more people to indulge !
Well perhaps it’s smart to forego the dimes. I always secretly worry about folks’ dental work and digestive system …
I have never, ever had Figgy Pudding. I’ve certainly sung about it many times but never actually tasted it. I feel now, when the opportunity presents itself, I will have a much greater appreciation of the effort required. Six hours of steaming?!?! Now that is dedication!
Great job on the post and great job on the Figgy pudding!
I should save you a piece for when we meet! It keeps forever. Makes a lovely doorstop in the summer – oh so I’ve been told.
Please don’t judge me, but I do not think I know what figgy pudding even is, nor have I tried it. I have, however spent hours on something and forgotten to bring it, so there’s that! I’m impressed by the reminder on your door! I do that too 🙂
Hahahaha! Now you see I’ve learned something. I am thinking that figgy pudding is more of a “British” thing. Folks here with British grandparents know it well. So interesting. It’s a concoction that is made of raisins, currants, candied peel, flour, eggs, milk, brandy etc – think Christmas fruit cake but not as dry. Does that make it clearer?
I’m with Mo and Kristi – never had figgy pudding. You say it keeps for awhile, is an acquired taste…I’m a bit hesitant, Kelly. Although I like all the ingredients that are in it. If you made it for me, I’d give it a try 🙂
Really? I can see that I am going to have to invest in one of the size “Large” pudding bowls.
When I read the title of this post it finally occurred to me that I too do not know what figgy pudding is. I have merrily sung about it time and time again and yet never once queried its ingredients. Adding it to my list of future baking discoveries.
You’ve not had one either? Good heavens. Yes try it – it’s delicious with brandy hard sauce…
I’ve also never had or even seen figgy pudding before your post. How intriguing that it’s always been a staple for you. Thanks for including the detail about what’s in it!
You’ve never even seen figgy/plum pudding? Wowzers. I had no idea it was such a rarity. Truly!