Embracing Holiday Traditions: The Comfort of Festive Feasts and Crafting Healthy Sugarplums

The festive season, for many, is a beautiful whirlwind of culinary delights and cherished family rituals. My own Christmas revelry often begins long before dinner, a delightful marathon of eating that can stretch for hours. This past holiday was no exception, kicking off with lively celebrations and transitioning seamlessly into a truly classic turkey dinner at my mother-in-law’s. The air was thick with the scent of roasted poultry and the gentle hum of conversation, a perfect prelude to an evening that continued with friends and, eventually, the quiet joy of wrapping gifts and filling stockings, all while indulging in some utterly non-traditional but equally comforting snacks like cheesies and Nutella.

The cornerstone of the evening, however, was undeniably the turkey. A modest ten-pound bird, expertly cooked by Mike while I was at work, it was lovingly stuffed with our signature simple blend: sautéed onion and celery in butter and oil, chunks of torn bread from a local bakery, and an abundance of fragrant sage. This aromatic centerpiece was then transported to his mother’s, where it joined a spread that felt wonderfully, reassuringly familiar. Peas, perfectly (if perhaps a tad overly) roasted potatoes, the unchanging mashed carrots and turnips that have graced their table for at least two decades, and the almost-grey Brussels sprouts that are as much a part of the tradition as the tree itself. To cap it all off, a generous half of a Safeway chocolate cake. It was a menu, and indeed much of the evening’s conversation and atmosphere, that could have been plucked straight from the early 90s. And isn’t that precisely the magic of Christmas? This regression to a comforting, almost childlike need for consistency and repetition, where the familiar becomes an anchor in our often-unpredictable lives. These steadfast traditions are what truly define the holiday spirit, offering a soothing balm of nostalgia and belonging, reminding us of simpler times and enduring connections.

Rediscovering the Charm of Sugarplums: A Healthy Holiday Alternative

While my son, W, is undoubtedly nestled snug in his bed, I’m quite certain his dreams are filled not with sugarplums, but rather with the more contemporary visions of snowmen, mischievous ideas involving Lou’s tail and nail scissors, beloved storybook monsters, the dreaded prospect of being forced to eat peas, and perhaps the slightly unsettling notion of a large, fur-trimmed man in a red suit sneaking into our house. But in my world, I intend to bring back the sugarplum, not just as a whimsical nod to classic literature but as a genuinely healthy, versatile, and utterly delicious treat. These delightful confections offer a welcome alternative to the endless parade of chocolates, caramels, and cookies that inevitably make their way into our holiday repertoire. What’s more, they are naturally gluten, egg, and dairy-free, making them a fantastic vegan option that caters to a wide array of dietary needs without compromising on flavor or festivity. Their inherent goodness allows for indulgence without the typical post-holiday guilt.

Beyond their role as a healthier holiday indulgence, I envision sugarplums becoming a year-round staple. Their sophisticated flavor profile and pleasing texture make them a surprisingly elegant addition to any cheese plate, transforming a simple spread into something truly special. Imagine them alongside sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or a tangy goat cheese – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty notes. They also serve as an excellent energy bite for a post-workout snack, a midday pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert after dinner. Their natural ingredients provide sustained energy and a host of nutrients, making them a smart choice for mindful snacking at any time of the year. It’s about taking a classic concept and reintroducing it with a modern, health-conscious twist, proving that tradition and wellness can beautifully intertwine to create something truly special and nourishing.

Crafting Your Own Sugarplum Delights: Ingredients and Method

The beauty of sugarplums lies in their simplicity and adaptability. At their core, they are a harmonious blend of finely chopped dried fruits and nuts. The specific varieties you choose are entirely up to your personal preference and what you might have stocked in your pantry. I particularly enjoy using soft, plump dried figs, either on their own for a rich, intense flavor, or combined with sweet dried apricots for a brighter, tangier note. When it comes to nuts, toasted almonds and hazelnuts lend a wonderful depth and crunch, but walnuts, pecans, or even cashews can be equally delightful. The addition of dark cocoa powder and a touch of natural sweetener, such as honey or Lyle’s Golden Syrup, truly elevates them. Lyle’s Golden Syrup, with its unique buttery caramel notes, is a nostalgic favorite – honestly, if I could have asked Santa for anything, a lifetime supply of that golden elixir for slathering on buttered biscuits, crumpets, or toast would have been high on the list! These binders transform the fruit and nut mixture into a sweet, chewy confection that rivals any candy, only with a much more wholesome appeal and a satisfying texture.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sugarplums:

• Dried Fruits: 1 cup (approximately 150g-200g) of a mix of soft dried figs, apricots, dates, prunes, or cranberries. Ensure they are pitted if using dates or prunes.
• Nuts: 1/2 cup (approximately 60g-75g) of toasted almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans. Toasting them gently in a dry pan enhances their flavor significantly.
• Sweetener/Binder: 1-2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or Lyle’s Golden Syrup. Adjust to your desired sweetness and consistency. For a purely vegan option, ensure to use maple syrup or agave.
• Flavor Enhancers: 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder (optional, for a richer, chocolatey taste), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, zest of one orange or lemon (for brightness), a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• Optional Extracts & Spices: A splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, a spoonful of mincemeat for a traditional twist, ground ginger, cardamom, or even a teaspoon of espresso powder for added depth.
• Coatings: Shredded coconut, extra cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar (for a more traditional, snowy look, though it adds extra sweetness).

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Sugarplums:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: If your dried fruits are very firm, you can soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften them, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel. This makes them easier to process. Gently toast your nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool completely before proceeding.
2. Combine in a Food Processor: Place the softened dried fruits and toasted nuts into the bowl of a high-powered food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped but still retains some texture – you’re aiming for a coarse meal, not a completely smooth paste. This texture is key to a satisfying sugarplum.
3. Add Flavorings and Binder: Add the cocoa powder (if using), ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.), citrus zest, and a pinch of sea salt. Drizzle in one tablespoon of your chosen liquid sweetener/binder.
4. Process to Combine: Process again, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture comes together and starts to form a sticky ball or a cohesive dough. It should be pliable enough to roll. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add the second tablespoon of sweetener, or even a tiny bit more, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too wet, add a few more finely chopped nuts or a tablespoon of oat flour or desiccated coconut to absorb excess moisture.
5. Roll the Sugarplums: Pinch off small portions of the mixture, about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon in size, and roll them between your palms into neat, bite-sized balls. Consistency is key for even presentation.
6. Coat (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor and to prevent sticking, roll the formed sugarplums in your chosen coating – shredded coconut, cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or powdered sugar. This step also adds a beautiful finish.
7. Chill and Store: Arrange the finished sugarplums on a plate or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up, which makes them easier to handle and improves their texture. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or frozen for longer enjoyment, perfect for spontaneous healthy snacking.

Beyond the Plate: The Enduring Spirit of the Holidays

These homemade sugarplums are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a small act of creative expression and mindful eating, perfectly complementing the rich, deeply satisfying traditions of the holiday season. They embody a bridge between the nostalgia of Christmases past and the desires for health and wellness in our modern lives. The simple act of making them, perhaps with family, adds another layer to the cherished memories we create during this special time of year, fostering connection and shared experience.

Whether it’s the unchanging menu of a family dinner, the specific way gifts are wrapped, the songs we sing, or the stories we tell year after year, these repetitions are not merely habit; they are the threads that weave the tapestry of our shared history and connection. They provide comfort, reassurance, and a sense of belonging that is invaluable. And while we honor these traditions, there’s always room to introduce new, wholesome customs – like the return of the mighty sugarplum – that enrich our festive celebrations in new and exciting ways, proving that the spirit of the holidays is both timeless and adaptable.

Merry Christmas everyone. I sure am glad to have you in my life.