Visions of Sugar Plums: Nutcracker Sweets

 Without a doubt candies and confections play a sweet and starring role in the celebration of the Christmas season. Ironically one of the most oft mentioned holiday treats is the rather mysterious, but delightfully named sugar plum. 

     Generations of children have read of little ones drifting off to sleep dreaming of the confections in the classic Night before Christmas poem or perhaps seen the magical Sugar Plum Fairy dance across the stage in the famous Nutcracker ballet, but, many, myself included, hadn't a clue as to what exactly a sugar plum was.

images from the Graphics Fairy

      While some quick research revealed some conflicting ideas, the overall consensus was that these treats, which did not contain plums, were based on the sugar coated seeds and exotic spices called confits popular in Europe in the 1600's. Painstakingly made with layers of sugar syrup, they were a luxury for the wealthy and royals until later advances in production made them more readily and inexpensively available. 
      Fast forward to today and you can find a myriad of recipes for this centuries old treat, most including a combination of dried fruits such as dates and apricots, nuts, honey, sugar and assorted spices.

     I decided to whip up an easier, if not completely historically accurate version, and spruce them up with some colorful chocolate and a little sparkle.

I used

1 1/4 cup assorted mixed dried fruits
I bought  a package of mixed fruits including
dried apricots, golden raisins, peaches apples and cranberries
 but any of your  favorites will do

1 1/4 cup almonds

4 tbs honey

spices: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, dash nutmeg

chocolate melts, pink, white or lavender

assorted sprinkles

if desired "toast" almonds in a dry skillet for a minute or two to bring out flavor, stirring constantly
Give fruit and nuts a quick whirl in a food processor until finely minced. 

In bowl stir in honey and spices. 

Roll into balls and set on a tray lined with wax paper, chill until firm- you may need to moisten hands often to prevent sticking

Although healthier than many holiday treats, they sadly don't rank among the prettiest. 

To the rescue, a light coat of chocolate melts and some sprinkle magic. Simply melt chocolate according to instructions and spoon over sugar plums. Garnish with sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar and let cool completely

 I added some wintery Nutcracker themed decor and DIY party favors.

A mini nutcracker and royal mouse hold court under a glass dome.

Sugar Plum Fairy Wands 

I used:

A set of wands craft kit 

snowflake ornaments 
(both from dollar store)

assorted scrapbook paper

ribbon, trim, odds and ends
printable

I simply spray painted some fun foam wands

Images from the Graphics Fairy (Love her!)

cut and glued some images

 and had fun decorating

With the table set it's time to relax with a cup of tea. Sugar plums make an elegant snack after the watching the ballet

(even if it's just at home on TV)

Wishing all our readers 

a Magical Holiday Season