Steamed Fig Pudding

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups dried figs, tough stem ends trimmed
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted
• 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 7 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Boiling water as needed
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar