Sugar Plums

Easy, delicious, and festive, these Sugar Plums are a unique treat to make this holiday season! With dried fruit, warming spices, and a sugary crunch, these delightful bites are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying during quiet evenings at home. Their vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make them a standout addition to any holiday spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal cooking and can be made in just 15 minutes.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A mix of dried fruits and spices creates a sweet yet complex taste that’s irresistible.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or as a healthy snack throughout the year.
• Festive Appearance: Coated in coarse sugar, these Sugar Plums look as good as they taste, making them a beautiful addition to any table.
• Nutritious Snack: Packed with vitamins from the dried fruits and healthy fats from the nuts, they are a guilt-free indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Sugar Plums efficiently, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This essential tool quickly chops your nuts and fruits to the perfect consistency.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting nuts evenly, ensuring maximum flavor enhancement.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion out uniform shapes for your Sugar Plums for a professional touch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delightful Sugar Plums:

Dried Fruits

• 1/2 cup prunes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots or dates, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Nuts

• 1/2 cup toasted, unsalted almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted, unsalted pecans, chopped

Flavoring Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cherry jam
• 3/4 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp cardamom
• Pinch salt

Coating

• 1/2 cup coarse sugar for coating (this is the purple sugar we used)

How to Make Sugar Plums

Step 1: Toast the Nuts

To enhance their flavor, toast your nuts before using them.
1. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet.
2. Bake at 350˚F for 6-7 minutes until they smell fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix everything together.
1. Finely chop all the dried fruits.
2. Add the chopped fruit and toasted nuts into a food processor.
3. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. Add all remaining ingredients (except sugar) into the processor and pulse again until sticky.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Sugar Plums

This step is all about forming your treats!
1. Use a 1 tbsp cookie scoop to portion out small amounts of the mixture.
2. Shape each portion into an oval shape.
3. Optional: Use a toothpick to make an indentation on one side for decoration.
4. Roll each shaped plum in coarse sugar until well coated. Optionally stick a little rosemary sprig on top as a decorative stem.

Enjoy your homemade Sugar Plums!

How to Serve Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums make a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging yourself, these sweet bites are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Festive Platter

• Arrange Sugar Plums on a decorative platter alongside assorted nuts and dried fruits. This colorful display adds a festive touch to any table setting.

Gift Bags

• Package Sugar Plums in small gift bags tied with ribbons. These treats make for charming gifts during the holiday season, sharing the joy of homemade goodness.

Afternoon Snack

• Serve Sugar Plums as a wholesome afternoon snack. Pair them with herbal tea or coffee for a comforting break during your busy day.

Dessert Table Addition

• Include Sugar Plums on your dessert table during holiday parties. Their unique flavor and texture will complement other desserts beautifully.

Child-Friendly Treats

• Offer Sugar Plums as a fun and healthy treat for kids’ parties. Their sweet flavor appeals to children, making them an excellent choice for little ones.

How to Perfect Sugar Plums

Creating the perfect Sugar Plums requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your treats turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always select high-quality dried fruits and nuts for maximum flavor. Freshness enhances the taste of your Sugar Plums.
• Toast the nuts: Toasting nuts before adding them intensifies their flavor. This simple step can elevate your treats considerably.
• Achieve the right consistency: Ensure that the mixture is sticky enough to hold together when shaped. If it feels too dry, add a bit more jam or fruit juice.
• Coat evenly: Roll your Sugar Plums in coarse sugar until well coated. This not only adds sweetness but also gives them an attractive finish.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference. Adding a hint of ginger or vanilla can give your Sugar Plums a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Sugar Plums

Pairing side dishes with Sugar Plums can enhance their enjoyment during meals or snacking occasions. Here are some excellent options that complement their sweet flavor.

1. Cheese Board
   A variety of cheeses can balance the sweetness of Sugar Plums, making for an enticing combination.

2. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad with citrus and berries adds freshness alongside the rich flavors of the treats.

3. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts bring crunch and savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweetness of Sugar Plums.

4. Herbed Crackers
   Crisp, herbed crackers provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the chewy nature of Sugar Plums.

5. Yogurt Dip
   A creamy yogurt dip infused with honey complements Sugar Plums beautifully, offering a delightful contrast in flavor.

6. Dark Chocolate Pieces
   Dark chocolate provides richness, balancing out the sweetness and creating an indulgent treat experience.

7. Homemade Granola Bars
   Chewy granola bars made with oats and seeds pair well as a snack option that’s both healthy and satisfying alongside Sugar Plums.

8. Chai Tea Latte
   A warm chai tea latte offers comforting spices that harmonize perfectly with the flavors of these festive treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sugar Plums, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Skipping the nut toasting: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and aroma. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference in taste.
• Not chopping the fruit finely: If the dried fruit is not finely chopped, the mixture will not hold together well. Take your time to chop them into small pieces for better consistency.
• Ignoring the stickiness of the mixture: The mixture should be sticky enough to form into shapes. If it’s too dry, consider adding a bit more cherry jam or a splash of fruit juice.
• Over-coating with sugar: While rolling in sugar adds sweetness and a festive look, too much can overpower the flavors. Aim for a light coating rather than a heavy one.
• Rushing the shaping process: Take your time when shaping the Sugar Plums. Rushing can lead to uneven sizes and an unappealing appearance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Sugar Plums in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sugar Plums

• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Sugar Plums

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F and warm for about 5 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds on low power, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, turning gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Sugar Plums that might help you in your preparation.

What are Sugar Plums?

Sugar Plums are delightful candies made from dried fruits and nuts, rolled in sugar. They are often enjoyed during the holiday season.

How do I make Sugar Plums healthier?

To make healthier Sugar Plums, consider reducing the amount of sugar used for coating or substitute some nuts with seeds for added nutrition.

Can I customize my Sugar Plums?

Absolutely! You can add different dried fruits like figs or raisins and even experiment with spices according to your taste preferences.

How long do homemade Sugar Plums last?

Homemade Sugar Plums can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months while maintaining their delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

These homemade Sugar Plums are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Whether you enjoy them as a holiday treat or an everyday snack, they are sure to delight!