The Kringle Chronicles: Sugar Plums The Festive Delights

Sugar plums are a delightful and festive treat, often associated with the holiday season. These confections, despite their name, don’t actually contain plums. Instead, they are a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, rolled in sugar to create a sweet and flavorful bite.

The origin of sugar plums dates back to the 17th century, where the term was used to describe any kind of dried fruit. Over time, the recipe evolved into the sweet and nutty confection we know today. Traditional ingredients include dried apricots, dates, figs, and prunes, mixed with almonds, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes a touch of honey.

To make sugar plums, the dried fruits and nuts are finely chopped or processed, then blended with the spices to create a fragrant mixture. The resulting dough is shaped into bite-sized balls and rolled in granulated or powdered sugar. This outer coating adds sweetness and a festive sparkle to the treats.

Sugar plums are not only delicious but also carry a sense of nostalgia, often linked to the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (more commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”). In the poem, sugar plums are mentioned as a symbol of holiday indulgence and joy.

While sugar plums are often enjoyed during the Christmas season, their timeless appeal makes them a treat for any occasion. Whether homemade or store-bought, these little delights continue to bring smiles and a touch of sweetness to people’s lives.

Here’s a simple recipe for making sugar plums:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup dried figs
• 1/2 cup prunes
• 1 cup almonds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup honey
• Granulated sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine dried apricots, pitted dates, dried figs, prunes, and almonds. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and starts to come together.
2. Add ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and honey to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse again until everything is well combined and forms a sticky dough.
3. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls using your hands.
4. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until well coated. This sugar coating adds sweetness and a festive touch.
5. Place the sugar plum balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow them to firm up.
6. Once chilled, your sugar plums are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

These homemade sugar plums make for a delicious and festive treat, perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any special occasion.

Gourmet Sugar Plums with Spiced Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried Turkish apricots, finely chopped
• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried Calimyrna figs, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup prunes, finely chopped
• 1 cup roasted pistachios, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup almonds, toasted and ground
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/3 cup honey
• Zest of one orange

For the Spiced Chocolate Ganache:

• 6 oz high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped apricots, dates, figs, prunes, pistachios, and ground almonds.
2. Add ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground cloves, sea salt, honey, and orange zest to the bowl. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into luxurious bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
4. In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Once melted, stir in the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper until smooth and velvety.
5. Dip each sugar plum into the spiced chocolate ganache, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place them back on the tray.
6. Allow the ganache to set by refrigerating the sugar plums for at least 2 hours.
7. Once set, present your gourmet sugar plums on a serving dish and savor the delightful combination of exotic fruits, nuts, and spiced chocolate ganache.

These gourmet sugar plums are a sophisticated twist on a classic treat, perfect for indulging in the richness of flavors during special occasions.

Keto-Friendly Nutty Sugar Plums

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened dried apricots
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup unsweetened dried figs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened prunes
• 1 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine dried apricots, pitted dates, dried figs, and prunes. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
2. Add almonds, walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, powdered erythritol, almond flour, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the processor. Pulse until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls.
4. Place the sugar plum balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to firm up.
5. Once chilled, your keto-friendly sugar plums are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in the refrigerator.

These low-carb, keto-friendly sugar plums are a delicious treat that won’t compromise your dietary goals. Rich in nutty flavors and subtly sweet, they make for a satisfying and guilt-free indulgence.