Paleoista Holiday Tip # 15: Keep the Figs, Ditch the Pudding

“Bring us some figgy pudding”?   What exactly is figgy pudding?  And, is it Paleo?

Most definitely not.

Here’s a recipe I found on the Food Network’s site, to use as an example of what might go into a typical preparation:

1 1/2 cups chopped dried pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried figs
2 cups water
1 teaspoon baking soda
100 grams (3 1/2 ounces or 7 tablespoons) butter, softened
1 cup superfine sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
75 grams (2 1/2-ounces) dark chocolate, grated
Butter, for coating ramekins
Ice cream or whipped cream, for garnish
Sauce:
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups heavy cream
200 grams (7-ounces or 14 tablespoons) butter
Fresh figs, quartered, for garnish
Vanilla ice cream, optional
Whipped heavy cream, optional

Can this be Paleo-ized? Absolutely!   Natural dried dates and/or fresh figs (if they’re available to you locally) can be combined to make a lovely Paleo dessert, without all the gluten, dairy and sugar used in the version above.

One easy method is to poach some fresh figs in water or white wine, then puree them while warm, before serving in small ramekins, topped with a cinnamon stick.

Another idea is to blend a few pitted dates in water with some fresh coconut milk, then pour into demitasse cups, topped with nutmeg, for an apres dinner drink.

Or, soak dried figs in water for thirty minutes, then puree with freshly baked, peeled apples, a pinch of allspice and a dash of pumpkin pie spice blend for a warm, Paleo friendly ‘pudding’, topped with freshly toasted walnuts.

All perfectly Paleo and suitable for the holiday table!