Figgie Paste
(Sugar Plums)
Slices of figgie paste is a nice addition to a cheese plate served for dessert with wine.  The paste goes best with a pungent blue style cheese like the Spanish Cabrales or and English Stilton. 

3 pounds combined pitted dates, peeled figs, seeded raisins, currants, apricots, prunes
1/2 pound blanched walnuts or almonds
1/2 pound crystallized ginger
Grated rind of 2 oranges
3 T. lemon juice or brandy, or as needed
White Granulated sugar

Put fruits, nuts, ginger and rind through the coarsest blade of the meat grinder. Add just enough lemon juice or brandy to enable mixture to stick together. Shape into logs about 1-inch in diameter and 5-6 inches long. Roll in sugar.  Let stand to dry over night before wrapping. 

To serve, slice like summer summer sausage.

Vary assortment of fruits and nuts to suit your own taste, using any one or all of those suggested..