Sugar plum

Sugar plum refers to a type of confectionery that has been popular since the 17th century, often associated with Christmas celebrations and festivities. Despite its name, a sugar plum is not necessarily made from plums. Traditionally, sugar plums are made from dried fruits such as plums or apricots, nuts, spices, and honey, all coated in a hard shell of sugar, similar to what is known today as dragées. Over time, the term "sugar plum" has evolved and can refer to a variety of sweet treats, including hard candy.

History

The origin of sugar plums dates back to the 1600s when the technique of sugar panning, the process of coating nuts or fruits in sugar syrup until a hard shell is formed, was first developed. This method was labor-intensive and time-consuming, making sugar plums a luxury item enjoyed primarily by the wealthy. The name "plum" in sugar plum originally denoted any dried fruit, with actual plums being just one of the many fruits used. Over the centuries, the term became more closely associated with Christmas, partly due to its mention in Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (more commonly known today as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), which helped cement sugar plums' place in holiday tradition.

Ingredients and Preparation

A traditional sugar plum recipe involves a mixture of finely chopped dried fruits, such as plums, apricots, and dates, combined with nuts like almonds or walnuts. This mixture is then flavored with spices such as anise, fennel, caraway, or cardamom, and rolled into small balls. These balls are then coated in layers of sugar syrup, a process that can take several days to allow each layer to dry properly, resulting in the hard, shiny exterior characteristic of classic sugar plums.

Cultural Significance

Sugar plums hold a special place in cultural traditions, particularly in relation to Christmas. They are famously mentioned in the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker, which has become synonymous with the holiday season in many parts of the world. The term "sugar plum" has also entered the English language as a term of endearment and a metaphor for something delightful and pleasing.

Modern Interpretations

Today, the term sugar plum can refer to a wide range of sweet confections, with many variations straying far from the original dried fruit and nut combination. Modern sugar plums can be simple sugar candies or chocolates filled with various flavors. Despite these changes, the traditional sugar plum recipes are still made and enjoyed by those seeking to recreate or experience historical confections.

See Also

• Confectionery
• Dragée
• The Nutcracker
• Christmas traditions