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Making these sweet sugar plums during holiday time has totally won me over. They take me back to those childhood tales with sugarplums dancing through kids' dreams. Something magical happens when you mix dried fruits, nuts, and spices into these little goodies. I love how they add that old-fashioned charm to my holiday get-togethers.
Delightful Journey Back in Time
The story behind these treats goes way back to Victorian days. I can't help but picture them sitting pretty on fancy tables hundreds of years ago. These days I serve my sugar plums at everything from small gatherings to big holiday bashes. My guests always seem curious about that special mix of natural sweetness and gentle spices.
Your Shopping List
- Dried Fruit: Try prunes, dates, or figs for sweetness and sticky texture. A quick soak in orange juice makes them extra moist.
- Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or whatever nuts you prefer, lightly toasted.
- Spices: Holiday spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to bring out that festive taste.
- Orange Juice and Zest: Gives a fresh twist and works well with the fruit.
- Rum or Brandy (optional): Just a dash for extra richness and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Used for coating, adds sparkle and crunch.
Creating Your Treats
- Get Everything Ready
- Heat nuts with spices in a pan until they smell amazing. Let dried fruit soak in orange juice to get juicy.
- Mix It All Together
- Put your toasted nuts and soaked fruit in a food processor. Pulse until you get a thick, sticky mix.
- Form and Roll
- Make small balls about the size of plums, then roll them in sugar for a pretty finish.
- Cool and Enjoy
- Keep in the fridge for a couple of days to blend flavors, then enjoy or store in a sealed container.
Personal Touches
I'm always trying different fruit and nut combos in my sugar plums. Sometimes I'll swap out figs for raisins or try a new liqueur for flavor. My top trick is coating them in colored sugar so they look like tiny gems.
Handy Suggestions
I've noticed that soft, premium dried fruits work best. Don't skip soaking them first for the right consistency. You'll need a powerful food processor as the mixture gets pretty sticky. For fun colored coatings, I just shake regular sugar with a drop of food coloring in a plastic bag.
Storage Advice
I always let my sugar plums sit in the fridge a few days before eating them so the flavors can really come together. They'll stay good for about a month, which is great for prepping early during the crazy holiday rush.
What Makes Them Special
These sugar plums are such a nice break from today's candy options. They're so easy to make but look fancy. Whenever I bring them out, people get curious about their traditional charm. It feels good keeping this old tradition going in my kitchen.
Great Pairings
These sugar plums taste amazing with hot spiced tea or warm mulled wine. They're also great on a cheese board for that touch of sweetness. I find they fit in anywhere from casual afternoon snacks to fancy holiday dinners.
Gifts From The Heart
These little treats make wonderful presents. I put them in cute tins or clear bags with holiday ribbons. Since they don't go bad quickly, they're perfect for giving to friends and neighbors all season long. Everyone's always happy to get these special homemade goodies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I change the dried fruit types?
- Of course! Mix and match your favorite dried fruits while keeping the total amount consistent for the right texture.
- → Is brandy required?
- Not at all. Skip it or replace it with orange juice for a non-alcoholic twist.
- → Why wait for flavors to deepen?
- The flavors need time to meld together, creating a richer and tastier treat.
- → How long will they stay fresh?
- Store them in an airtight container to enjoy them for weeks at room temperature or even longer if refrigerated.
- → What's the point of toasting the nuts?
- Toasting with spices makes the nuts more flavorful and brings out their natural aromas.