Christmas Fare of Film & Song “Figgy Pudding” from “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”

Warm & Sticky Figgy Pudding

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups chopped dried pitted dates

3/4 cup chopped dried figs

2 cups water

1 teaspoon baking soda

7 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup superfine sugar

2 eggs

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour

2 1/2-ounces dark chocolate, grated

Butter, for coating ramekins

Ice cream or whipped cream, for garnish

Sauce:

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups heavy cream

14 tablespoons butter

Fresh figs, quartered, for garnish

Vanilla ice cream, optional

Whipped heavy cream, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add dates, dried figs and water to a medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. Remove pan from heat and stir in the baking soda. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then add to a blender and puree.

Using a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and beat well. Fold in flour, the pureed date mixture and the chocolate.

Put mixture into 4 buttered, 1-cup individual ramekins, filling halfway or slightly under. Put in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Prepare sauce by stirring sugar, cream and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Raise heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until incorporated.

Remove ramekins from oven and let stand for 10 minutes. May be served in ramekin or unmolded onto a small serving plate. With paring knife cut a cross in the top of the puddings for the sauce.

Pour sauce into the cross in the center of each pudding, then pour more sauce over the puddings and it allow to soak in slightly. Top with fresh figs and vanilla ice cream or heavily whipped cream. Serve warm.