Regency Dish: Figgy Pudding

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):

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