Plum jam balls

Delicious Plum Jam Balls

If you are looking for a quick, easy-to-make dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, these plum jam balls are the perfect choice. Whether you prepare them for a family gathering, a birthday, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for everyone, including the little ones!

The history of the dessert we will prepare is rich in tradition. Plum jam balls have been an ingenious way to use leftover biscuits and jams over time, resulting in a simple and tasty treat that has brought generations together around the table. This dessert is not only delicious but will also remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 20 balls

Ingredients:

- 300 g biscuits (preferably plain biscuits, such as digestive biscuits or butter biscuits)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for an intense chocolate flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons rum essence (for an irresistible aroma)
- 100 g powdered sugar (for a delicate sweetness)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar (for a special flavor)
- 150 ml water (to give consistency to the mixture)
- 100 g grated coconut (to give an attractive appearance and a crunchy taste)
- plum jam (or preferred jam for filling)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the biscuits: Start by crushing the biscuits in a food processor or in a plastic bag using a rolling pin until they become a fine powder. This step is essential for achieving a uniform texture in the mixture. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a sieve to obtain a fine consistency.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the crushed biscuits. In a small saucepan, place the water, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Heat over a double boiler, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. This step will ensure a uniform combination of the ingredients.

3. Adding cocoa: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cocoa powder and rum essence. Continue to stir over the double boiler to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is homogeneous, pour everything over the crushed biscuits and mix well until you obtain a consistent but easily moldable paste.

4. Forming the balls: With damp hands (to prevent sticking), take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Then, flatten the ball with your fingers and add a small teaspoon of plum jam in the middle. Squeeze the edges tightly to seal the jam inside the ball and reshape it into a perfect ball.

5. Coating with coconut: Turn the grated coconut into a bowl and roll each ball in the coconut, ensuring it is evenly coated. This will not only enhance the dessert's appearance but also add a delicious taste.

6. Cooling: Place the balls on a plate and refrigerate them for about an hour. This step is important to firm them up and give them a more pleasant texture.

Serving suggestions:
These plum jam balls are perfect for serving as a quick dessert, but you can also pair them with a natural apricot syrup or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors. A cup of black tea or fresh lemonade would perfectly complement this delicacy.

Tips and variations:
If you want to experiment with flavors, you can replace the plum jam with other preferred jams, such as apricot, blueberry, or raspberry jam. You can also add some ground nuts or hazelnuts to the mixture for an extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits:
These balls are rich in carbohydrates from the biscuits, and the plum jam provides fiber and vitamins. Although they are a dessert, when consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet. Each ball has approximately 70-80 calories, depending on the jam and biscuits used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use gluten-free biscuits?
Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuits to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

2. Can I add another type of flavor?
Of course! You can add almond or orange essences to customize the flavor of the balls.

3. How can I store the balls?
The balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

These plum jam balls are not only a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to enjoy moments spent in the kitchen. So, let your creativity flow and enjoy this delicious dessert!