Sugar Plums
David Sawyer published this recipe on Saveur.com. In the introduction he wrote:“… while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.” The famous sugar plums spoken about in Clement Clark Moore’s beloved poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” were actually sugar-coated coriander. Later the recipe changed and included other spices and dried fruit. This recipe is based on the confection we know today. Sugar plums tend to absorb the powdered sugar, so redust just before eating, if you like.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole almonds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp grated orange zest
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup finely chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup finely chopped pitted dates
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Arrange almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in oven for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool, then finely chop.
- Meanwhile, combine honey, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl. Add almonds, apricots, and dates and mix well.
- Pinch off rounded teaspoon-size pieces of the mixture and roll into balls. (Rinse your hands often, as mixture is very sticky.) Roll balls in sugar, then refrigerate in single layers between sheets of waxed paper in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Their flavor improves after ripening for several days.
