Candies, soft fruit and nut squares

Soft fruit and nut squares are chewy candies built from dried fruit, often figs, dates, or apricots, pressed together with chopped nuts into small bars or squares, sometimes finished with a light dusting of sugar. They are a common sight on holiday candy trays and in dried-fruit confection boxes, eaten out of hand as a sweet snack or a small dessert alongside coffee or tea, with the fruit giving a jammy chew and the nuts adding crunch and contrast; walnuts, almonds, and pecans are typical choices, sometimes with a hint of citrus zest or cinnamon.

Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, since exposure to air can dry out and harden the chew or, in humid conditions, make them sticky, and stacking pieces with wax paper keeps them from fusing together. They are carbohydrate- and sugar-dense, with 73.8 grams of carbohydrate and 46 grams of sugar per 100 grams, though the dried fruit and nuts do contribute a modest 2.4 grams of fiber and 2.31 grams of protein. With 131 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams as well, these are best treated as an occasional sweet rather than an everyday snack, and a small piece or two is typically enough to satisfy the craving given how dense they are.