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During the holidays, I can't help but get excited about crafting these adorable sugar plums. They take me back to childhood tales where sugarplums danced in kids' heads. The real joy comes when you mix dried fruits, nuts, and cozy spices into these cute little bites. I love how they add that old-fashioned charm to my modern holiday get-togethers.
An Enchanting Journey Back in Time
The story behind these goodies goes all the way back to Victorian days. I get a kick out of thinking about them served at fancy holiday dinners hundreds of years ago. These days I serve my sugar plums at everything from small family gatherings to big holiday bashes. My guests always perk up when they taste that special mix of natural sweetness and gentle spices.
Your Shopping List
- Dried Fruit: Try dates, prunes, or figs for their natural stickiness. Give them a quick bath in orange juice for extra juiciness.
- Nuts: Grab some walnuts, almonds, or whatever nuts you fancy, chopped up nice and small.
- Spices: Cozy stuff like nutmeg or cinnamon to bring that holiday feel.
- Orange Juice and Zest: Gives a fresh kick that works great with the fruit.
- Rum or Brandy (if you want): Just a tiny splash for extra flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: For the outside coating that makes them sparkle.
Creating Your Holiday Treasures
- Get Everything Ready
- Warm up those nuts with spices in a pan until they smell amazing. Let dried fruit soak in orange juice to get soft and juicy.
- Mix It All Together
- Throw your toasted nuts and juicy fruit into a food processor. Run it until you get a thick, sticky mix.
- Form and Finish
- Take small amounts and roll into plum-sized balls, then cover them in sugar for that festive look.
- Rest and Enjoy
- Stick them in the fridge for a couple days to let flavors mix, then enjoy or keep in a sealed container.
Put Your Own Spin On Them
I always try different fruit and nut mixes in my sugar plums. Sometimes I'll swap in raisins for the figs or test out different liquors for a flavor twist. My absolute favorite trick is coating them in colored sugar so they look like tiny gems.
Tricks I've Picked Up
I've found that picking super soft, high-quality dried fruits really makes these shine. Giving them a good soak beforehand helps nail the texture. You'll need a powerful food processor as these get pretty sticky. For fun colored coatings, I just shake regular sugar with a drop of food coloring in a plastic bag.
Storage Smarts
I always let my sugar plums chill in the fridge for a few days before serving as it really brings the flavors together. They'll stay good for nearly a month, which is great when you need to prep early during the crazy holiday rush.
What Makes These So Special
These sugar plums offer such a nice break from today's candy options. They're so easy to whip up but look fancy enough for company. Whenever I bring them out, folks are drawn to their traditional charm. It feels good keeping this lovely custom going in my kitchen.
Great Pairings
These sugar plums taste amazing with a hot mug of spiced tea or warm mulled wine. They work great on cheese boards too, adding just the right touch of sweetness. I find they fit in everywhere from casual afternoon snacks to elegant holiday dinners.
Gifting Goodness
Sugar plums make the most thoughtful presents. I put them in cute tins or see-through bags with holiday ribbons. Since they don't go bad quickly, they're ideal for giving to friends and neighbors all season long. Homemade treats like these always bring smiles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I pick my own fruits?
- Sure! Just stick to the same total quantity so the mixture holds together properly.
- → Is brandy a must?
- Not at all. Swap it with orange juice if you prefer it alcohol-free or just leave it out.
- → Why should I wait a few days?
- Giving them time lets the flavors mix, making every bite richer and yummier.
- → What’s their shelf life?
- Keep them at room temperature for weeks in an airtight box. They last longer in the fridge.
- → Why toast the nuts first?
- It’s a flavor booster. Toasting brings out the aroma and makes the nuts taste better.