Traditional Sugar Plum Candy

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 F (180C).

Step 2

Spread the nuts out in a single layer on one side of a sheet pan, pour the nut meal in a pile on the other side, and flatten with your hand or a spatula so it’s an even layer, about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Place the sheet pan in the oven for 8 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.

Step 3

Put the chopped prunes, walnuts, dates, and cranberries in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the ingredients are chopped into small, even pieces. Stop before the mixture becomes a ball.

Step 4

Add the toasted nut meal, apricot preserves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Pulse several times (you may need to stop to scrape down the sides) until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture will hold itself together when rolled into a ball. (You should still see some texture from the fruit & nuts.)

Step 5

Line a tray or container with wax or parchment paper. Scoop the mixture into heaping 1 TBSP portions and roll into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls, and place on the paper.

Step 6

Roll the sugarplums in the sugar just before serving.