Figgy Pudding Truffles

Sunday 19 December 2010



The song, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" has firmly immortalized figgy pudding in the Christmas lexicon. But what exactly is a "Figgy Pudding?"



The figgy pudding dates back to the 16th century in England, where traditionally it was served at the very end of the large Christmas meal. It was so much a part of the culture that even Charles Dickens references figgy pudding sitting on the table of Bob Cratchit in his masterpiece “A Christmas Carol.”



Figgy pudding became quite popular in England because many English gardens contained fig trees. And while many recipes called for actual figs to be used, those recipes slowly replaced figs with the cheaper product raisins instead.



I think we can safely say that, in these modern times, a "Figgy Pudding" is more or less what we have come to know and love as "Christmas Pudding." A delightful steamed concoction of vine fruits, spices, eggs, flour, etc. A must have with Christmas dinner along with hard sauce or brandy cream!



These delicious little concoctions are wonderful little chocolate truffles made using leftover Christmas Pudding, chocolate and sherry. Topped with some melted white chocolate and some green and red snipped glace cherries, they manage to look just like a traditional Figgy Pudding!



I think Dickens would approve.




*Figgie Pudding Truffles*
Makes about 3 dozen
Printable Recipe

Even if you think you don't like Christmas Pudding, I think you will like these! Messy to make but on-so-scrummy when done!

125g of good quality dark chocolate, finely chopped (4 ounces)
350g of leftover or freshly cooked and cooled Christmas pudding (about a cup and a half, packed)
60ml of sweet sherry (1/3 cup) (Can use fruit juice)
2 TBS of golden syrup (or corn syrup)

To finish:
100g of good quality white chocolate, finely chopped (3.5 ounces)
6 red glace cherries, chopped into small bits
6 green glace cherries, sliced into slivers
(Can use green sprinkles if that's all you have)

Line a large baking sheet with cling film. Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl over simmering water, making sure that the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Crumble the pudding into a bowl and crush somewhat with a fork. Stir in the sherry, golden syrup and melted chocolate, mixing all together well. Now comes the messy part. Using cold hands that you have just washed and dried, pinch out walnut sized balls of the mixture and shape between your palms into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat, washing hands again as necessary, until you have used up all the mixture. Place in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour. Remove and place each in a tiny paper case.

Melt the white chocolate in a bowl over simmering water, making sure that the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Whisk until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.

Have all your decorations ready. Using a teaspoon, spoon a little white chocolate over each truffle, one at a time, and apply the cherries to resemble holly leaves and berries on top. ( I like to use tweezers to apply these. It's a lot easier than using the fingers.)

To give away, place in small decorative boxes, lined with tissue paper. They are also lovely handed around with drinks after dinner.

14 comments

  1. Marie, I just found your blog a couple of days ago and really like it. We are thinking of preparing an English feast for our Christmas dinner so I'm am perusing your site for ideas and recipes. I was wondering about the Christmas pudding mentioned in this recipe. Do you have a recipe for it on your blog? I tried searching your recipes but didn't have any luck, perhaps I just missed it. Thank you.

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  2. Beautiful looking mini Christmas puds! I can imagine that these would be great to give away as presents too. :)

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  3. Hi Robin, ashamed to say that this year I haven't made my own Christmas Pudding. When I do make it though I always use this recipe from one of my favourite British Cooks:

    http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/cuisine/european/english/traditional-christmas-pudding.html

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  4. Oh, yum, Marie! I really need to try these! I always love your twist on traditional, historical British foods...looks wonderful!

    I also love those macadamia blondies--those will be a MUST try this week, my friend!

    I hope you're having a wonderful weekend...thank-you again for all your sweet words and love...you're just the best...

    Sending oh, so much love your way this chilly December night...

    Julie

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  6. I think they need to change the lyrics of the song from, "Oh bring us some figgy pudding" to "Oh bring us some figgy pudding truffles!"

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  7. How sweet they are. love them ;0)

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  8. I am done baking..as I am only doing brunch..but what temptations..Marie...you are the queen of baking.Truly.

    These are like darling round petits fours..
    Your attention to detail .. and I know what many of your things taste like as we know;)

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  9. oooh they're like Nigellas puddinis (only in the way they look) they could go out to carolers that pop round!! How cute!!
    x

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  10. Marie, I just did a post on Christmas pudding that you will love!! You should check it out!! http://food-hound.blogspot.com/2010/12/holy-grail-of-christmas-puddings.html

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  11. have you seen Heston Blumenthal's Christmas puddings from Waitrose have been making up to £200 on Ebay ? Maddness isn't it !


    I made Nigella's Puddini Bon Bons last year and they were very yummy. The decorations look lovely. I'm a bit too clumsy to get away with anything so delicate ....

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  12. Oh my these look deliciously tempting Marie! When my husband wakes up from his toffee sugar coma, I may have to make some of these for him. He would love them. Merry Christmas!

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