So I just saw this recipe on Youtube for Sugar Plums but it requires a very specific gadget from Amazon. Does anyone have experience? Is it worth it?

[Another2Cats]

I subscribe to a Youtube channel called "Tasting History" that recreates historical dishes.

It's usually always interesting and I've tried quite a few recipes in the past.

Anyway, I was intrigued by his latest video which was all about Victorian "sugar plums" (like in the ballet - the French term for sugar plum was "dragée" and the original term for the the Sugar Plum Fairy was La Fée Dragée)

Sugar plums are basically the Victorian version of M&Ms

Part of the recipe includes the use of what I can only describe as a mini cement-mixer attached to a KitchenAid mixer (does that make sense?).

It's available on Amazon for £89.99. I won't link to it but the name of the item is

"Snack Coater Compatible with KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer"

So, does anyone have this or anything like it? Is it worth buying and can it be used for anything else as I really do hate one-use gadgets?

Youtube video:

What did Victorians use? Surely there's a simpler approach?

They basically used a larger version like this:

Even Max said he would never make them again, too much effort.

There must be somewhere to buy something similar (to the sugar plums, not the equipment).

Hahaa OK maybe not then!

You couldn't fashion something from perhaps a drill? 🤔 does it just need to turn? Or is it how long it turns for?
Haven't watched the video, sorry.
If just turning you could use a bowl on a lazy Susan?

Salad spinner on its side?

True, but I don't think I've ever come across those "Jordan almonds" he mentioned here in the UK.

Also, I quite fancy trying some other things like pistachios. And maybe trying some other chocolate covered things.

It might not be as smooth or thick, but would let just dipping them on a cocktail stick work?

Have I imagined that Heston Blumenthal did something similar using a coffee tin and a drill?

In the UK they are sugared almonds
https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/waitrose-christmas-sugared-almonds/805228-811698-811699

You can even get gold and silver ones.

I think the sugared almonds used to be popular at weddings. One of my earliest memories was being a flower girl for my mum’s cousin’s wedding. We were all given little gauze bags of them. I thought they were chocolate mini eggs and was severely disappointed when they were rock hard nuts ☹️

Thank you, yes, it's those.

I'm not normally a Waitrose shopper so I wasn't aware of them. A lot cheaper than buying a whole KitchenAid attachment.

But I might still consider it to make my own pistachio M&Ms!

Another popular uk comfit
https://www.grapetree.co.uk/vintage-liquorice-comfits-500g

I was in Amalfi, Italy about 20 years ago & there was an Italian wedding happening in the Basilica - as the bride & groom emerged they were showered with sugared almonds! Lots got trampled on the floor - the pigeons had a field day! Not sure I'd like to be pelted with sugared almonds - they're very hard!

I haven't seen that but I could well imagine it.

Pistachios
https://www.finecheese.co.uk/babbi-gemme-pistachio-100g?utm_source=google_shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGPKNi-5WqA4SRxttllxai2YdQ5awMftM1bJh2Nu1HswWPB7lApi_LRoCsqoQAvD_BwE

This is going to cost me a fortune
https://www.marchesi1824.com/gb/en/gifts_and_small_delights/candies/confetti/product.Sugared_Pistachios_410_g.500603018_V.html

😍
https://www.marchesi1824.com/gb/en/gifts_and_small_delights/candies.html?page=5

Try Lidl