A Christmas Scavenger Hunt: The Legacy of Figgy Pudding
WELCOME TO THE CHRISTMAS FICTION SCAVENGER HUNT
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The hunt begins on Friday, 12/8 right here on this page!
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Hi! I’m Leagh and I write many things–nonfiction, fiction, children’s books, and have contributed to many anthologies.
Leagh is pronounced the same as L-e-e or L-e-i-g-h. The best way to remember is to change the I in Leigh to an A for Leagh, which is the Celtic spelling. My first novel “Carol of the Rooms” just released, and my second novel will be out in the spring of 2024. So welcome! Take time to get to know me on the site and check out my stories behind the hymns. I also have a Christmas Facebook group and invite you to join me there as well.
The Legacy of Figgy Pudding
In “A Christmas Carol,” Mrs. Cratchit proudly presents her guest with Christmas pudding. This pudding is set ablaze with brandy and garnished with holly leaves.
For those of us in the United States, we may most relate figgy pudding to the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and the line to bring us some figgy pudding.
So what is figgy pudding? And is it a pudding?
In the United States, it is not a pudding as we know it. However, it is in the British sense of the word which means a steamed cakelike dessert.
The legend of figgy pudding dates back to at least the end of the 14th Century. During this time the pudding was a way to preserve meats for the winter months and originally called “frumenty”. This frumenty was made with beef, mutton, raisins, currants, prunes, wine, and several spice. Contrary to popular belief it never contained plums.
Over time the pudding evolved. The meats were taken out and eggs, breadcrumbs, dried fruits, and spirits were added.
Most chefs claim it is best to make the pudding in advance and allow it to mellow. The Sunday before Advent is called “Stir-up Sunday” and is the traditional time to make this decadent treat.
Another legend stated everyone in the family should stir it at least once for good luck. It is also common to include some type of token or coin in the pudding and whoever receives this item is said to receive good luck in the common year.
The name Christmas pudding first appeared in an 1858 novel by Anthony Trollope.
There is also a religious element to figgy pudding. It is believed that there are thirteen ingredients to symbolically represent Jesus and the disciples.
So, this Christmas stir-up (or purchase) some figgy pudding and read the Christmas story in Luke 1 as we remember the true meaning for the season.
While I didn’t include figgy pudding in “Carol of the Rooms,” the story follows the familiar format to “A Christmas Carol.” Terri has to face her past, present, and future to refind herself and rediscover all she allowed anger to destroy from her. All this through discovering the soundtrack of her life and experiencing a Christmas that she and those closest to her will never forget.
What are your favorite Christmas treats?
Clue to Write Down: Scrooge’s hardened
BUT WAIT: I’m giving away an additional copy of “Carol of the Rooms” + a $10 Amazon gift card. All you have to do is subscribe to my newsletter using this link and bonus points for following me on social media.
Link to stop #2, the Next Stop on the Loop: Becky Van Vleet’s website
In case you have trouble with any of the links, here they are. Be sure to write down all the clues to enter on the final page. The entire clue is required to enter the drawing. Please note, books only mailed with a U.S. mailing address.
#3 Whitney Ward
#8 Donna Wyland
#9 Heidi Glick
#10 Final Stop
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My favorite Christmas treats are cookies, fudge, pie, and chocolate cobbler. Merry Christmas!
Yum!
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Thank You
My favorite is fudge.
Yum!