Apricot-Ginger Fruit Balls
Enjoy the natural sweetness of a mixture of dried fruits in these sweet bites. When choosing sugars, keep in mind that fruits give you the benefits of added vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Yield: about 20 pieces
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted*
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup dried pitted dates (about 15 dates)
- 1/3 cup dried Mediterranean apricots (about 10 apricots)
- 1/3 cup golden raisins
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
- 2 tablespoons puréed apricots with mixed fruits (baby food)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- Place almonds and flour in food processor container. Cover and process until coarsely chopped. (Mixture should still be dry and not oily.) Set almond mixture aside.
- Place dates, apricots, raisins, cherries and apricot purée in microwave-safe bowl. Stir until fruit is evenly coated with purée. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100% power) for 45 to 60 seconds or until fruit is soft and warm.
- Transfer fruit mixture to food processor container. Cover and process until coarsely chopped. Stir in almond mixture and ginger. Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour or until easy to handle.
- Form mixture into 3/4-inch balls using no more than 1 1/2 teaspoons for each. Store fruit balls in airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in freezer for up to one month.
- To serve, thaw fruit balls, if frozen. Lightly sift powdered sugar over fruit balls. If desired, place in paper candy cups. Makes about 20 pieces.
*To toast almonds, place almonds in single layer in shallow baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350ยบ F. oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool nuts before using.