"Healthy" Christmas Candy

Take about 3 cups of dried fruit,  a mix of more than one kind is best.   Place in a food processor with about 1 cup of nuts, almonds are good.    Process until coarsely chopped, then put in a bowl and add 2 tbsp. of honey.  Mix well and then form into balls, then roll in powdered sugar or more ground nuts.    You can also line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, then press the fruit and honey mix in the prepared pan and cover with  3 ounces of melted chocolate.  Chill in fridge until firm, then cut into squares.  

You can also add a bit of cinnamon or a drop or two of vanilla or almond or pineapple extract depending on what fruits you are using.   My personal favorite mix is 2/3 diced dried peaches, 1/3 diced dried apricots, almonds and a drop of almond extract, with the honey, then the balls rolled in chopped roasted almonds.  

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

14 tbsp. butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
1 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. instant coffee granules
about 1/2 cup sugar, either granulated or powdered (for rolling the dough balls before baking)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
 
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Cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.    Fold in the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.   Take teaspoons of the dough and roll into balls, then roll those in the granulated or powdered sugar.    Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 9-12 minutes.  When done the tops of the cookies will look dry and they will be covered with cracks.   Allow to cool on the pans about 8-10 minutes before moving to a rack to finish cooling.    Makes 4-5 dozen cookies, depending on size.