Bite-size no-bake candies of dried apricots, dates, figs, and toasted almonds with honey and spice, rolled in sparkling sugar. Old-fashioned Christmas charm.
1 cup whole almonds, toasted
½ cup dried apricots
½ cup pitted Medjool dates
½ cup dried figs, stems removed
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 pinch salt
½ cup coarse sparkling sugar or granulated sugar
Toast the almonds at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.Pulse the almonds in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.Add the apricots, dates, figs, and cranberries to the processor. Pulse until finely chopped and sticky.Add the nuts, honey, orange zest, spices, and salt. Pulse until the mixture clumps together.Scoop 1-tablespoon portions and roll into smooth balls between your palms.Roll each ball in the sparkling sugar until coated.Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill 30 minutes.Set the sugar plums in mini paper cups and serve or package as gifts.
Toast the nuts first.
Do not over-process.
Use coarse sugar.
Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/sugar-plums/