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Classic Sugar Plums Sugar Plum candies are an old-fashioned, holiday favorite. These are traditional Christmas candies that lend their name to the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. They are, of course, also prominently featured in The Night Before Christmas, "...visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads".

Back in the day, plum was the common term used for dried fruit of any variety. Sugar Plums can be made with dried apricots, cherries, and or dates. The fruit is combined with honey and a mix of nuts, traditionally either walnuts or almonds. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are added before they are rolled into balls and coated in confectionery sugar.

Feel free to experiment and substitute nuts, seeds and spices with those of your choice. A wonderful garnish for these holiday delights is mukwas, the aromatic, colorful, candied spice (mainly fennel, anise) and seed mixes found at Indian and Pakistani food stores and restaurants.

Makes about 24 Sugar Plums


1 cup Dates, pitted & chopped

½ cup Dried Apricots, chopped

¼ cup Candied Orange Peel, chopped (can be made ahead or substitute with 2 tablespoons orange zest)

¼ cup Golden Raisins, chopped

¼ cup Dried Tart Cherries, chopped

1 cup Walnuts, shelled & chopped

½ cup Marcona Almonds, chopped

2 Tablespoons Black Sesame Seeds

½ Tablespoon Ground Cinnamon

½ Tablespoon Ground Nutmeg

½ Tablespoon All Spice

½ Tablespoon Coriander, chopped

¼ cup Honey

½ teaspoon Sea Salt

1 cup Confectioners Sugar

*optional Mukhwas


Large Airtight Container


Sharp Chef Knife or Food Processor

Medium Mixing Bowl

Small Bowl

Paper Candy Cups

Labels: candied fruit Fruit Candy Mukwas Sugar Plum The nIght Before Christmas The Nutcracker

