Best Apricot Pecan Sugarplums Recipes

Apricot pecan sugarplums are a delicious and unique holiday treat that can be enjoyed by anyone on your list. These sugarplums are a perfect combination of apricots, pecans, and spices, making them a favorite for all ages. They are also a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional candy or desserts.

Ingredients

The main ingredients needed for apricot pecan sugarplums are dried apricots, pecans, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and sea salt. Some recipes may also include other spices such as ginger or cloves, as well as unsweetened coconut flakes or ground almonds.

Preparation

To prepare apricot pecan sugarplums, start by grinding the pecans in a food processor until they are finely ground. Next, add the dried apricots to the food processor and pulse until they are chopped into small pieces. It's important not to overmix the apricots, as you want them to still have a bit of texture. Once the apricots and pecans are mixed, transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and sea salt. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture becomes sticky and forms a dough-like consistency.

Shaping the Sugarplums

Once the mixture is ready, it's time to shape the sugarplums. Roll small portions of the mixture in the palm of your hand to create small, bite-sized balls. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used. If desired, you can also roll the sugarplums in unsweetened coconut flakes or ground almonds to add a bit of extra texture and flavor.

Serving

Apricot pecan sugarplums can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They make a great addition to any holiday table or as a healthy snack throughout the day, and can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.

Variations

While the traditional apricot pecan sugarplum recipe is delicious, there are also many variations that can be tried to add a bit of extra flavor or texture. Some people like to add chopped dates, raisins, or cranberries to the mixture for a bit of added sweetness. Others may prefer to use different types of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews, in place of the pecans. You can also experiment with different spices, such as ginger, cloves, or allspice, to add a bit of extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Overall, apricot pecan sugarplums are a unique and delicious holiday treat that is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional candy or desserts. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of preparation, you can create a delicious and wholesome treat that your friends and family will love. Whether you choose to follow the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations, apricot pecan sugarplums are sure to be a hit.

If you have an insatiable sweet tooth and love to indulge in desserts, then you must try making apricot pecan sugarplums. These small, round, and deliciously sweet snacks have a unique flavor, texture, and aroma. They consist of dried apricots, pecans, sugar, and spices, rolled into small balls and dusted with sugar. Making apricot pecan sugarplums is not difficult, but there are some tips you should keep in mind to make them perfect. In this post, we will discuss some valuable tips for making apricot pecan sugarplums that will make them even more delicious.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Ingredients

The primary ingredients for making apricot pecan sugarplums are dried apricots, pecans, sugar, and spices. Therefore, the quality and freshness of these ingredients will determine the taste and aroma of the final product. When buying dried apricots, choose the soft, moist, and plump ones that are not too dark in color. Avoid apricots that look shriveled, dull, or have a sour smell. For pecans, use fresh and whole ones that are not rancid or discolored. If possible, buy pecans in bulk and shell them at home to preserve their flavor and freshness. Use granulated sugar for the recipe, and choose high-quality spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. You can use whole spices and grind them yourself for a more intense flavor.

Tip #2: Soak the Apricots

To make the apricots easier to blend and shape, it is recommended to soak them in warm water or juice for at least one hour before using them. This will soften the apricots and make them more pliable, so they can be easily blended into a paste. It will also enhance their flavor and make them more moist and juicy. If you want to add some extra flavor to the apricots, you can soak them in a flavored liquid, such as orange juice, apple cider, or brandy. This will infuse the apricots with a subtle but delicious taste that will complement the other ingredients.

Tip #3: Toast the Pecans

Toasting the pecans before using them in the recipe will bring out their natural sweetness, nuttiness, and aroma. It will also make them more crunchy and flavorful. To toast the pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring them once or twice. You can also toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 4-5 minutes. Once the pecans are toasted, let them cool completely before using them in the recipe. This will prevent them from melting or sticking to the other ingredients.

Tip #4: Blend the Ingredients Well

To create a smooth and uniform apricot pecan paste, you need to blend the ingredients well in a food processor or blender. Start by adding the soaked and drained apricots, the toasted and cooled pecans, the sugar, and the spices to the food processor. Pulse the mixture several times to break up the ingredients, and then blend them on high speed until you obtain a smooth and sticky paste. You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly combined. The final paste should be thick, pliable, and slightly sticky but not too wet or dry.

Tip #5: Roll the Sugarplums Carefully

Once you have prepared the apricot pecan paste, it's time to shape it into small balls or sugarplums. To do this, take a teaspoonful of the paste and roll it between your palms into a small ball. You can also use a melon baller or a small cookie scoop to make uniform-sized sugarplums. Make sure that the balls are smooth and even, without any cracks or lumps. If the paste is too sticky, you can dust your hands with some powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent it from sticking. You can also refrigerate the paste for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before rolling.

Tip #6: Dust the Sugarplums with Sugar

To give the sugarplums their signature snowy appearance and sweet taste, you need to dust them with sugar. Traditionally, sugarplums were coated with fine white sugar or confectioner's sugar, but you can also use other types of sugar, such as sanding sugar, turbinado sugar, or colored sugar for a festive touch. To dust the sugarplums with sugar, put the sugar in a shallow bowl or plate and gently roll the balls in the sugar. Shake off any excess sugar and place the sugarplums on a parchment-lined tray. You can also give the sugarplums a second coat of sugar if you want them to be more heavily coated.

Tip #7: Store the Sugarplums Properly

Apricot pecan sugarplums can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To prevent them from sticking together or losing their texture, you can layer them between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper. You can also refrigerate or freeze the sugarplums if you want to keep them for longer, but be aware that the texture may change slightly. If the sugarplums become too dry or hard, you can revive them by soaking them in some brandy, rum, or orange juice for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

Making apricot pecan sugarplums is a fun and rewarding process that requires some patience, skill, and creativity. By following these valuable tips, you can make these sweet treats even more delicious and memorable. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients, soak the apricots, toast the pecans, blend the ingredients well, roll the sugarplums carefully, dust them with sugar, and store them properly. With these tips in mind, you can impress your family and friends with your homemade apricot pecan sugarplums and create unforgettable holiday memories.