FRUIT CONFECTIONS

fruit confections image

Provided by Diane G.

Categories Candy

Time 20m

Yield 24-36 confections

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb confectioners' sugar, approx. (plus about a cup for rolling)
6 tablespoons melted margarine or 6 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons fruit juice (Orange Juice best but can use lemon, lime, pineapple or mango juice.)
3/4 cup chopped dried fruit (I prefer dates but can use any dried fruit)
3/4 cup chopped nuts (Walnuts or Pecans best but would work with anything)
1/3 cup flour

Steps:

(My favorite combination is Orange Juice with Dates and Walnuts, but also good with Cranberries and Pecans, or use mango juice with dried pineapples and macadamia nuts for a tropical taste.) Grind nuts and then also mince dried fruit very, very finely in blender or food processor.
Set aside.
Mix together melted margerine/butter, vanilla, juice and confectioners' sugar.
Stir in ground nuts and fruit.
Stir in as much of the flour as needed to make a fairly stiff dough.
Turn dough out onto floured board and knead a few times to make sure all flour is integrated.
Will be VERY sticky.
Roll with floured rolling pin to about 1/2 inch thick (or as thick as desired) Cut into squares or diamonds with butter knife.
Roll each square or diamond in powdered sugar.
Let sit in cool spot or refrigerator until dry.