Sugar Plums (without the sugar)

This is a wonderfully simple recipe that will please anyone’s sweet tooth.  They work very well for holiday parties, or wrap them up and give the gift of sugar plums this holiday season.

You will need:

• 1 cup nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans)
• 2 tsp freshly grated orange zest
• ¼ cup dried currants
• ¼ cup dried cherries
• ¼ cup chopped and pitted prunes
• ¼ cup pitted dates
• 2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tsp roasted fennel seeds, lightly ground
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• Coconut flakes for rolling

How to make:

1. First, pit the dates
2. Roast the fennel seeds in a dry pan on medium heat, stirring frequently.  They are done when slightly browned and the smell fragrant (it just takes a couple of minutes).  When they are roasted, lightly grind them using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. 
3. Place the nuts, dried fruit, spices, orange zest and maple syrup in a food processor.
4. Pulse the mixture until it is just combined and starting to stick together.
5. Form into bite size balls.  Roll in the coconut.
6. Store in the fridge and eat soon!!