All Things Considered Considers Christmas Pudding

If you're over the age of 5, you've probably sung about figgy pudding - or will be singing about it next week.  But have you ever tasted it?  Or, better yet, made it?

If you've always wondered about the dessert - sometimes called Plum Pudding or Christmas Pudding - you're not alone.  A little while ago, Michele Norris, host of NPR's All Things Considered, called me because she, too, was having a figgy pudding wonder moment.  Which explains how I ended up in her terrific kitchen in Washington, DC making the above. 

I know it looks like a fruity Bundt cake (it was baked in a Kugelhopf pan), but it's really a very boozy steamed pudding.  It's got tons of fruit - figs, of course, and raisins, cherries and cranberries, too - and a significant amount of rum and brandy. (You'll have to card your guests before you serve them even a forkful.)

If you're as intrigued as Michele and I were with the pudding, just click here.  There's more information about the dessert and my recipe, of course.  And you can email the whole kit-and-caboodle to yourself or your favorite puddin' head.  You can also listen to the broadcast and hear how much fun we had making - and eating - this hearty sweet.

Comments

[Meg]

I was intrigued by the NPR spot the other day- and the pudding sounded so luxurious that I absolutely had to make one!

We are saving it for Christmas Day, but it smells so wonderful coming out of the steam bath, it is hard not to break down and taste it right away. (I also discovered midway though that my largest pot was not quite big enough, but I found that an oval roasting pan with a lid works perfectly.)

I am thinking we have discovered a new (old) holiday tradition in our home!

Thank you very much for sharing your figgy pudding with us.

[Alexei]

I heard this on the way home the other night - what a great surprise! it was great to hear your voice, especially in the middle of so much delicious fun with the host. happy holidays!

[JEP]

Again, you always give your readers the best tips to ensure our success with your recipes! Thanks!

[Dorie]

Maria, I think you could have fun with the recipe. Let me know how it goes.

Jennywenny, I hope everyone enjoys your pudding. Thanks for the link to your pudding recipe -- it's interesting because it has no flour and only 4 ounces of bread crumbs, so, as you said, almost no binding. And no alcohol. A very different kind of pudding. I always think it's fun to see how different recipes can be. Thanks for sharing.

[jennywenny]

I was required to make the family recipe of christmas pudding this year, although I did insist on adding some dried plums so I could call it plum pudding. Figs would sub well too. Looks like a similar recipe to yours!
http://forayintofood.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas-pudding.html

[Maria]

I have never made figgy pudding. I better give it a try because it is packed full of wonderful flavors and I am sure I would enjoy it!! Great interview on NPR!!