SUGAR PLUM DESSERT RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil; extending foil beyond ends. Grease foil.
• Combine all crust ingredients except butter in medium bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 3/4 cup mixture. Pat remaining mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place sugar, dried plums, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in processor bowl fitted with metal blade. Cover; pulse until dried plums are finely ground. Add egg and lemon juice; continue processing 20 seconds to combine.
• Pour plum mixture over hot, partially baked crust; sprinkle with reserved crust mixture and coarse sugar. Continue baking 30-35 minutes or until edges are browned and topping is set. Cool completely. Lift bars out using foil ends. Cut into bars.

Steps:

• Put the almonds, plums, apricots, and figs into the bowl of a food processor and pulse 20 to 25 times or until the fruit and nuts are chopped into small pieces, but before the mixture becomes a ball.
• Combine the powdered sugar, anise seeds, fennel seeds, caraway seeds, cardamom, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the nut and fruit mixture and the honey and mix using gloved hands until well combined.
• Scoop the mixture into 1/4-ounce portions and roll into balls. If serving immediately, roll in the coarse sugar and serve. If not serving immediately, put the balls on a cooling rack and leave uncovered until ready to serve. Roll in the coarse sugar prior to serving.
• The Sugarplums may be stored on the cooling rack for up to a week. After a week, store in an airtight container for up to a month.