Sugarplums

Sugarplums are another one of those traditional holiday candies that we always had in the kitchen around Christmas. Mom made them with prunes, which are basically dried plums. I have nothing against prunes and love plums, but over the years I started substituting other dried fruits and my daughters seemed to like the combination of this recipe the best. You can use any dried fruit and any kind of nuts in the recipe. You can also substitute the canned orange juice concentrate with honey, preserves or your favorite juice (even prune juice). Make this recipe your own and use ingredients your family likes the best. These little “candies” are definitely great around the holidays but also make the perfect outdoor treat any time of year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• Sugar

Directions:

1. Combine the raisins, apricots, dates, walnuts and almonds in a food processor or blender and pulse until the mix is well blended. You may have to use a wooden spoon to stir a little in between pulses.
2. Add the orange juice concentrate and mix again until everything is well blended and sticky.
3. Using a spoon, spatula or other utensil, remove the mixture from the blender and place it in a bowl.
4. Pour the sugar onto a dinner plate. Using your hands, shape/roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. It should shape easily by rolling between your hands. When all the mixture is formed into balls, roll each one in the sugar and, if you have them, place the balls in small paper liners. If not, just set them on a plate or cookie sheet so they are not touching. When all the sugarplums are done, store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Yield: around 2 dozen 1-inch balls