12 Days of Christmas: What the heck is figgy pudding?

When the holidays roll around, families gather into the kitchen to make all sorts of holiday dishes. Some foods we sing about and hear about all the time during the holidays, but has anyone ever actually eaten a sugar plum? Can you buy figgy pudding at walmart? Take a look at the ingredients in these famous holiday foods.

Fruit Cake

Fruit Cake, many jokes are made about this cake and it is referenced many times throughout the holidays. It turns out there is more to this cake than just being a gag gift. Fruitcakes originated in Roman Times. It made its way through medieval times and found itself in the present. It is consumed all over the world and not just at christmas time. It is said that in Europe it is commonly served at weddings. The main ingredients in a fruit cake are dried or candied fruit, nuts, and spices. Occasionally it is soaked in alcohol for a little extra holiday spirit.

Sugar Plums

In reality there are no plums in sugar plums. Sugar Plums are known to be hard candies. The term plum comes from their small size. They really are just small hard sugar candies. It is said that in old Europe people would eat them after a meal to settle their stomachs.

Eggnog

Eggnog truly is made of eggs. It is traditionally made with eggs, Milk, cream, sugar and nutmeg. It is common for alcohol to be added as well. Eggnog came to the United States from Great Britain. It was seen being consumed in America as early as 1775. Today Eggnog is a christmas controversy for people. Many love it while many others can’t stand it. It is mostly drank in The United States and Canada.

Figgy pudding

Figgy pudding gained its claim to fame through the christmas carol “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” This pudding can be baked, steamed in the oven, boiled or fried. It’s main ingredient is solely figs. It’s origins are in 16th century England.

Candy Canes

Candy Canes has a interesting tale behind them. No one knows how true this tale is, but according to legend candy canes were the idea of choirmaster of a cathedral in Germany. He needed a way to keep the kids quiet during the service so he enlisted the help of a local candy maker. To keep it in line with the teachings of the church, they curved the top of the cane to resemble a shepherd’s cane who visited during Jesus birth. The candy cane is undoubtedly a huge symbol of Christmas and it’s minty flavor is a favorite of many people around the world.

—shelby.black@aggiemail.usu.edu

@shelbsterblack