Figgy pudding

Figgy pudding is an old Christmas tradition, but is not exactly that popular today. Dating back to 16th century England, it’s an antecedent of a medieval spiced porridge known as Frumenty. Today, the term figgy pudding is known mainly because of a popular Christmas carol, “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” It was used as a plot point in tonight’s episode of Brothers and Sisters.

A British-style pudding, or dessert, figgy pudding is a mixture of finely chopped apples, dry figs and other dried fruits, nuts, which is then joint with bread crumbs, eggs and seasonings and baked, steamed in the oven, or boiled. It’s a little bit like fruitcake, so it’s absolutely an acquired taste.

Even in the UK, it’s a tradition that’s starting to die out. A magazine survey found that 30 percent of respondents did not like it.

It’s common to flame figgy pudding with cognac or brandy before serving it with whipped cream, ice cream or applesauce.