Fruit Snowballs

Fruit Snowballs are a delightful and classic dessert with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. These sweet treats consist of a light and airy cake-like exterior filled with fruity goodness. They get their name from their snowball-like appearance, which is achieved by steaming the batter in small molds and then garnishing them with colorful candied cherries and pineapple. Fruit Snowballs are traditionally served with a luscious custard sauce made from egg yolks, making them a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Fruit Snowballs have their origins in the United States, particularly during the early 20th century. They were a popular dessert in American households, often served on special occasions and holidays. The steaming method used to cook these treats is reminiscent of traditional English steamed puddings, but Fruit Snowballs incorporated a unique twist by adding fruit and a custard sauce.

These delectable desserts gained popularity due to their simplicity and ability to be customized with various fruit fillings, making them versatile and appealing to a wide range of tastes. Over the years, Fruit Snowballs have remained a cherished dessert, reminiscent of a bygone era, and continue to be enjoyed today for their nostalgic charm and delightful flavors.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup Crisco
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 egg whites (stiffly beaten)
• Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
• Candied cherries (for garnish)
• Candied pineapple (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of Crisco and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined.
2. Add 1/4 cup of milk to the sugar and Crisco mixture, stirring until it’s fully incorporated.
3. Sift 1 cup of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder into the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the 3 egg whites until they are stiff and form peaks.
5. Gently fold the stiffly beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them. This step will make the batter light and airy.
6. Grease small molds with Crisco to prevent sticking.
7. Divide the batter evenly into the greased molds.
8. Cover each mold with greased papers to seal them.
9. Steam the molds for approximately 35 minutes. This steaming process will cook the batter and give the snowballs their unique texture.
10. Once steamed, carefully turn out the Fruit Snowballs onto serving plates.
11. Sprinkle the snowballs generously with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish.
12. Garnish the snowballs with candied cherries and pineapple to add color and a fruity touch.
13. To complete the dish, serve the Fruit Snowballs with a delightful custard sauce made using egg yolks.

Enjoy your homemade Fruit Snowballs, a delightful dessert with a rich history and a taste that’s sure to please!