Ever wonder what Sugar Plums are?  Well,  my mom sent me a recipe years ago and I’ve played around with it a little bit.  They are an old-fashioned treat which is also good for you.  Get your kids involved and have fun with this cold weather kitchen project.  They are ideal for anyone watching the consumption of dairy, wheat or fat.

Sugar Plums

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried date pieces
• 1 cup golden raisons
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup white or turbinado sugar

Place the dried date pieces and golden raisons in a food processor.  

Add dried cherries, apricots, white chocolate chips, walnuts and cinnamon.  Pulse several times to chop coarsely.  Add the orange juice and vanilla extract; pulse until mixture holds together.  Form into 1 inch balls and roll in the sugar.  Cover and refrigerate until firm.

Tip: Wet your hands slightly when rolling the balls to prevent them sticking.