
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Mix ingredients with French Cream while soft, before all sugar is incorporated. Several kinds of nuts may be mixed together for variety.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
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Raisins seeded, currants, figs and citron, chopped fine, and mixed with the uncooked 'French Cream,' while soft, before the sugar is all mixed in, makes a delicious variety.
Nuts also may be mixed with this cream, stirring into it chopped almonds, hickory nuts, butternuts, or English walnuts, then forming them into balls, bars or squares.
Several kinds of nuts may be mixed together.
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
The uncooked French cream (a mixture of sugar, butter, and cream) acts as a binding medium that hasn't yet crystallized, allowing dried fruits and nuts to suspend evenly throughout. Adding mix-ins before the sugar fully incorporates prevents the fondant from becoming too firm to work with. The high sugar concentration in the cream acts as a preservative, inhibiting microbial growth and allowing the confection to remain shelf-stable while the fat content from butter and nuts provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
The fruit and nut creams can be prepared up to 2 weeks in advance. Form into desired shapes and allow to firm up at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. The flavors will actually meld and improve after 2-3 days of storage.
Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature (65-70°F) for up to 3 weeks, with parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigeration as condensation can make the confections weep and become sticky. In warm climates above 75°F, refrigerate but bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The fruit and nut creams can be prepared up to 2 weeks in advance. Form into desired shapes and allow to firm up at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. The flavors will actually meld and improve after 2-3 days of storage.
Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature (65-70°F) for up to 3 weeks, with parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigeration as condensation can make the confections weep and become sticky. In warm climates above 75°F, refrigerate but bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best texture.