Newfoundland Figgy Duff. A generations old tradition. (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of figgy Duff? ›

Hailing from the English West country as far back as the 16th century, its ancestor Figgy Pudding (you'll probably recognize it from the famous Christmas carol) also does not contain any figs, but raisins — the Cornish term for raisin is fig and it is thought this is where the name comes from.

It's a steamed cake full of raisins, currants and brandy. The traditions around the figgy pudding carry a lot of Christian symbolism, Waugh says. The classic dish had 13 ingredients — "representing Christ and the 12 apostles," she says — and was served with a sprig of holly on top, standing in for the crown of thorns.

Many traditional puddings come closer to what most of us would call cake. The term is also used to describe any dessert, whether or not it could be officially considered a “pudding.” Following that logic, figgy pudding could be any type of dessert containing figs.

Figgy Pudding

“Now bring us some figgy pudding” is the well-known refrain of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas." So, here it is. This seasonal favorite is essentially the same as a Christmas pudding but with the sweet addition of – wait for it – figs.

Figgy duff is a traditional bag pudding from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador most commonly served as a part of a Jiggs dinner. It is sometimes called a raisin duff. The word 'Figgy' (or figgie) is an old Cornish term for raisin; perhaps indicating the origin of the settlers who brought this dish to the area.

Originating from Newfoundland on the Canadian East Coast, this traditional steamed bread pudding derives its eclectic name from two old Cornish colloquialisms: “figgy,” a word for raisins, and “duff,” another term for pudding.

Sometimes referred to as plum pudding or Christmas pudding – we'll get to that later – figgy pudding is a type of British pudding, which is a steamed, cake-like dessert as opposed to the spoonable, thick custard that might come to mind when Americans hear the word “pudding.” Richly spiced and studded with dried fruits ...

Figgy pudding today

That's likely why the dish also goes by a number of other names including plum porridge, Christmas pudding, and steamed pudding. And whatever the name, people still eat it today. In Britain, in particular, figgy pudding is still a Christmas staple.

The Christmas pudding coin

Adding silver coins into plum pudding is a fun Christmas tradition. The notion being that whoever finds the coin will have good luck. The tradition may date as far back as early as the 1300s when several small items like dried peas and chicken wishbones were added to the pudding mixture.

Superstitions say that Christmas pudding must be prepared with 13 ingredients, which are said to represent Jesus and his twelve disciples. It is also said that the mixture should be stirred in turn from east to west, by each family member, to honour the disciples' journey.

Are there no figs in figgy pudding? ›

Figgy pudding is a cake that is either baked or steamed. It is actually a form of a plum pudding, neither of which has figs nor plums but is primarily made from raisins. So much for vaulted tradition.

Conclusion: Christmas puddings contain ethanol that does not all evaporate during the cooking process.

There are few foods as synonymous with the festive season as the humble Christmas pudding. Carolers demand it in We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Charles Dickens made it a centrepiece of the Cratchits' feast in A Christmas Carol and every year in the UK we eat a massive 25 million of the sweet treats.

Your first question might be: Is Spam Figgy Pudding a real thing? Yes, surprisingly, this collision of American canned meat and a dish seemingly out of a Dickens novel, is very very real.

The carol is thought to date from the 16th or 17th century, when carolers demanded refreshments like figgy pudding to keep them going throughout the chilly English nights.

Duff is a Bahamian cuisine dessert dish made with fruit (especially guava) in a dough. Fruit is folded into the dough and boiled, then served with a sauce. Ingredients include fruit, butter, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, flour, rum, pepper, and baking powder. Duff is also an English term for pudding.

Figgy pudding today

That's likely why the dish also goes by a number of other names including plum porridge, Christmas pudding, and steamed pudding. And whatever the name, people still eat it today. In Britain, in particular, figgy pudding is still a Christmas staple.

On Nov. 15, 2022, SPAM^® Figgy Pudding was launched for a limited time only for purchase on SPAM.com, Amazon.com and Walmart.com. SPAM^® Figgy Pudding brings a blend of warm spices and seasonal ingredients that will be the star in many wintertime recipe favorites.