Walnut and Figs Pudding with Toffee Sauce

The best part about having a blog is that you are motivated to try out new recipes all the time and that whenever friends think of gifting they have no doubts about what to get  :) One of our guests and friend Egbert got this fresh packet of walnuts all the way from Kashmir. Thanks Egy. Puddings are my weakness and always enjoy it when others make it for me. It's sheer laziness to make them. I usually sit back and enjoy the puddings that my sis Nishna makes. 

Walnut and figs are my favorites. I found this recipe at 'What Katie Ate' blog while looking out for recipes with nuts. Since we don't get pecans here, I substituted it with walnuts. Loved the taste of figs and walnut in the pudding. It is a really rich pudding and the toffee sauce gives that subtle  flavour in between. With the Christmas season coming up this pudding is gonna win many hearts.

INGREDIENTS
Dried Figs - 175 g cut into 1/4 inch strips
Strong Coffee - 50 ml * see notes 1

Walnuts - 3/4 cup chopped into small pieces
Unsalted Butter - 90 g (at room temperature)
Brown Sugar - 150 g
Eggs - 2 lightly beaten
Baking powder - 1 tsp
Self Raising Flour - 175 g
Hot water - 125 ml

For the toffee sauce:
Unsalted Butter - 125 g
Brown Sugar - 175 g
Instant coffee powder - 1/4 tsp (my addition to the recipe)
Cream - 125 ml

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180 degrees for 15 minutes.

Grease and prepare a 1 L pudding basin or bundt pan.*See notes 2

Chop the figs and walnuts.

Prepare the coffee and soak the figs in it for 15 minutes.

Place the butter and sugar in a bowl. Mix it well.

Lightly beat the eggs and add it to the bowl.

Sprinkle the baking powder.

Tip in the flour and mix well with a wooden spatula.

When smooth add in the soaked figs along with any coffee left and walnuts. Mix well.

Now add in the hot water and combine well.

Pour the batter into the pudding basin or bundt pan.

Cover the surface with a baking paper and then cover tightly with foil.

Bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until the skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. *See notes 4

Meanwhile make the toffee sauce. Place the butter and brown sugar in a sauce pan on low heat till the butter has melted and sugar dissolved.

Add in 1/4 tsp instant coffee powder and mix well.

Stir in the cream and increase heat to medium. Bring it to just below boiling point and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes.

Turn the pudding on to a plate and pour the toffee sauce on top.

Top it with the nuts if you wish.

Serve warm.

Notes:

1. To prepare strong coffee boil 50 ml water and add in 1 tbsp instant coffee powder. I used Nescafe.

2. I used a non stick bundt pan. So I did not line it. If you are not using one then line it with baking paper.

3. Place the pan on the middle rack in the oven.

4. Time required to bake may differ. Check after 30 minutes.