Do you have a favorite treat that you enjoy each year at the holidays? This simple confection brings together dates and Brazil nuts in the form of small snowballs or “snowdrops” for a timeless holiday treat to enjoy with family and friends. This recipe is for baking beginners and can easily be whipped up in fifteen minutes from start to finish once you familiarize yourself with the process. The Brazil nuts in this recipe can be substituted with macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews, or walnuts, depending on what you have on hand. To begin, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry fresh dates and remove the pits.
- Blanch Brazil nuts for 5 minutes in boiling water.
- Remove the skins of the Brazil nuts and stuff each date with nuts.
- Top each date with powdered sugar glaze, also known as confectioner’s sugar glaze.
- When partially set, roll each date in shredded coconut and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Allow the dates to cool before serving or storing in cookie tins lined with parchment paper.
A quick and easy powdered sugar glaze can be found below:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons of milk
Add milk to the powdered sugar and whisk together in a bowl until a glaze consistency is reached and the mixture can be drizzled. Extracts, spices, and other liquids can be used to create unique glaze flavors. Strong, black coffee can be substituted for the milk, and vanilla extract is another great addition. Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect glaze to suit your needs. Include these snowdrops in your seasonal cookie tins, and enjoy them any time you need a heartfelt, homemade treat to remind you of home.
