Winter holidays in Russia are a magical time filled with traditions, and one delicious tradition is the making of Tsukaty Candied Fruit Dessert. This delightful treat is a festive Russian Christmas baking recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering. Made with an assortment of candied fruits and nuts, Tsukaty is a flavorful and visually appealing dessert that is perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.
Tsukaty Candied Fruit Dessert
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed candied fruits (such as orange peel, citron, and cherries)
– 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts)
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your candied fruits and nuts. Chop the candied fruits into small, bite-sized pieces and roughly chop the nuts. Set them aside in separate bowls.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
3. Bring the sugar mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the chopped candied fruits and nuts. Stir well to coat the fruits and nuts evenly with the sugar syrup.
4. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until the fruits and nuts are well coated and the sugar syrup has thickened slightly.
5. Once the fruits and nuts are fully coated and the syrup has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the Tsukaty mixture cool for a few minutes.
6. While the mixture is still warm, spoon it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly to form a layer about 1/2 inch thick. Allow the Tsukaty to cool completely and set at room temperature.
7. Once the Tsukaty has cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares or rectangles. Dust the pieces with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
8. Serve the Tsukaty Candied Fruit Dessert on a decorative platter or pack it into gift bags to share with friends and family during the holiday season. Enjoy the sweet and crunchy combination of candied fruits and nuts in this delightful Russian Christmas treat!
Tsukaty Candied Fruit Dessert is a wonderful addition to any holiday table, and its colorful appearance and rich flavors are sure to impress your guests. Whether you enjoy it as a sweet snack with tea or coffee, or present it as a thoughtful homemade gift, this traditional Russian dessert is a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. Get creative with your choice of candied fruits and nuts to personalize this recipe and make it your own. Experience the joy of making and sharing this delicious Tsukaty Candied Fruit Dessert as part of your holiday traditions.
