Visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads...don't just dream about the sweet treats, enjoy them for real!

Sugar Plums

2 cups whole almonds
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1 cup finely chopped pitted dates
1 cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Arrange almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in oven for ten minutes. Set aside to cool and then finely chop.
3. Meanwhile, combine honey, orange zest, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl. Add almonds, apricots, and dates and mix well.
4. Pinch off rounded teaspoon sized pieces of the mixture and roll into balls. Roll balls in sugar and refrigerate in single layers between sheets of wax paper in airtight containers for up to one month.

Makes about 36 sugar plums.

Cooking Tip: Use of a food processor helps make preparation simple and much quicker.

Recipe source: Saveur Magazine.