Traditional Sugar Plums

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup California prunes (about 3.25 oz)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (about 2 oz)
• 1/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped (or dried figs)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup hazelnut meal or almond meal, toasted
• 2 Tbsp apricot preserves or honey
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup coarse sugar, for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread walnuts and nut meal on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Add prunes, walnuts, dates, and cranberries to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not pasty.
3. Add toasted nut meal, apricot preserves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and salt. Pulse until fully combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Scoop mixture into heaping 1-tablespoon portions and roll into 1-inch balls.
5. Roll each ball in coarse sugar just before serving for a crunchy coating.