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1 2/3 cups dates, about 250 g
1 1/2 cups raisins, about 250 g
1/2 whole or 1/3 cup slivered blanched almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 100-g container preserved or crystallized ginger
finely grated orange zest, of 1 orange
2 tbsp brandy, or cognac
1/2 cup granulated sugar
In a food processor, whirl dates and raisins together until coarsely chopped. Turn into a large bowl. Then, whirl nuts and ginger, using an on-and-off motion, until coarsely chopped. Add to date mixture with orange peel and brandy.
Using your hands, mix together until well blended. Place sugar in a shallow dish. Form fruit-and-nut mixture into tightly packed 1-inch (2.5-cm) balls. Then, roll each ball in sugar. Store in an airtight container in layers, separated by sheets of waxed paper. Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator. Sugarplums will keep well for several weeks. Freeze for longer storage.
Calories 80, Protein 1g, Carbohydrates 15.4g, Fat 2.3g.
Finely chopped dates, raisins and nuts are flavored with ginger and orange, then laced with brandy, for these very easy and naturally sweet bite-size treats.