Steamed Fig Pudding

1 cup boiling water
1 cup snipped dried figs
2 Tbsp. shortening
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or substitute whole-wheat for half of the flour)
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped nuts (opt)
1 egg

Pour boiling water over figs and stir in shortening to melt. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, sugar, soda, salt and nuts. Make well and pour in fig mixture. Add egg and stir together until blended.

Pour into greased 6-cup mold. Cover with aluminum foil and seal tightly. Place mold on a rack in a Dutch oven, steamer, or other large pot. Fill Dutch oven or pot half full with boiling water and put lid on. Boil on stove top over low heat for 2 hours.

When done, remove mold and let stand 5 minutes. Unmold the pudding and serve warm with Creamy Sauce.

Creamy Sauce
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup whipping cream.

Beat powdered sugar and softened butter in a small saucepan until smooth and creamy. Sstir in whipping cream. Heat just to boiling while stirring occasionally. Serve hot over warm pudding.