Since posting the bread pudding recipe, many of you asked for George's Figgy Pudding recipe. Every warm gooey bite tastes like Christmas!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped dried pitted Medjoul dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
• 2 cups of water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 7 tablespoons butter softened
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups self rising flour
• 2 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate - grated
• butter for coating ramekins (or mini bundt tin you can get at Amazon $9.99 Huakenner Mini Bundt silicone)

Sauce:

• 2 cups of brown sugar
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 14 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of Brandy
• *for less rosey cheeks, you can substitute vanilla extract but use only one teaspoon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Add the chopped dates, chopped dried figs and water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Remove pan from heat and stir in the baking soda.
4. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then add to a blender and puree.
5. Using a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar in large bowl.
6. Add the eggs and beat well.
7. Fold in the flour, the pureed mixture, and the chocolate.
8. Spoon mixture into buttered tins or ramekins filling only halfway, or slightly less. (Pudding rises considerably).
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
10. Prepare the sauce by stirring the sugar and the cream in a medium saucepan over low heat.
11. Simmer until the sugar dissolves.
12. Raise the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
13. Add the butter and and Brandy and stir until incorporated.
14. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes.
15. Unmold onto serving plates and top with a generous amount of sauce.

Notes:

• Garnish with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Best served warm with warm sauce
• Experiment with other fruits and nuts if desired
• Using non stickspray to coat molds seems to works best

You all know how much we loved this delightful time of year, we hope you find the same satisfaction making merry and holding Christmas and its traditions dear.

HAPPY CHRISTMASTIME!

Chrissy and George