I admittedly watch more Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies than I should. Coupled with a steady stream of Christmas Regencies, it helps get me in the holiday spirit regardless of where I am, what is going on, or whether or not others around me are feeling holiday cheer.
I have noticed when they sing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” in these movies, there is typically an emphasis on the verse about figgy pudding. Which is funny, because most of these movies are set in the US and I seriously doubt most people have eaten a figgy pudding. But it also got me thinking about figgy puddings and other Christmas time treats that might have graced the Regency table.
A dialogue in the Devonshire dialect, by a lady [M. Palmer] (1837).
The History of Cornwall, Civil, Military, Religious …, Volumes 4-7, Richard Polwhele (1816)
Figgy pudding was a more common name for plum cake or plum pudding. With a rich brown color the hue of raisins, the sweet treat would’ve had a moist texture owing to the raisins or currants mixed in the batter.
The Female Economist (1810)
Alternatively, there is also this:
Or this:
The dried Zante currant (like a raisin) would have been the perfect ingredient for winter sweets because they have a long shelf life.
Here is a recipe for storage (Also from the Female Economist):
