Sugarplums

Sugarplums are a type of confection, often described as a small, round, fruit-and-nut confection that is coated in sugar. The term "sugarplum" gained widespread recognition and cultural significance through the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," commonly known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," published in 1823. In the poem, sugarplums are mentioned in the line, "The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads." This association has made sugarplums a festive and Christmastime treat in popular imagination.

Historically, the term "sugarplum" could refer to a variety of candied fruits or nuts, often coated in hardened sugar syrup. These could include almonds, hazelnuts, or dried fruits like raisins or plums, encased in a crisp sugar shell. The exact composition could vary. While the poem evokes a sweet, perhaps somewhat mysterious, treat, the modern understanding and commercial production of sugarplums are less defined. Today, some confections labeled as sugarplums are often made with a base of dried fruits and nuts, sometimes mixed with spices or honey, rolled into balls, and then coated in granulated sugar or a thin sugar glaze. They are typically enjoyed as holiday candies.