Recipe - Mrs Claus Sugarplums

1 One half pound Dried mixed figs dates
raisins and currants
Three fourths pound Blanched almonds or walnuts
One fourth pound Unsalted shelled pistachio
nuts
Grated rinds of 2 oranges
One fourth pound Crystallized ginger
3 tablespoon Brandy
Granulated sugar

This recipe makes about two dozen sugarplums. Using a food processor,
finely chop and mix all ingredients except for the brandy and sugar. Add
brandy to make the mixture stick together. Form the mixture into small
balls, then roll them in sugar. Store the sugarplums in a lightly covered
container for at least three days so that the flavors can meld together.
Tips from Mrs. Claus:Unless you really, really like the taste of ginger,
cut down drastically on the amount of ginger you add to your sugarplum mix.
Sugarplums can be frozen without any loss in the flavor. When you're ready
to thaw, move the sugarplums from the freezer to the fridge for a few days,
then store them at room temperature. Sugarplums most likely originated in
the ancient Middle East, where whole figs were simmered slowly and
repeatedly in a sugary syrup, until they were wellcovered with a glaze.
The Victorians, however, shredded the figs with dates and raisins, mixed
with nuts and spices, added a touch of brandy for preservation, and rolled
them in sugar for extra sweetness. busted by sooz
Posted to recipeludigest Volume 01 Number 229 by James and Susan Kirkland
kirkland@gj.net on Nov 09, 1997