Coconut Date Balls

These are a traditional Christmas cookie in my husband's family.  His sister still makes them for us every year and they are our favorite holiday treat.  This year after eating all of the date balls provided by Ann and Amy, I decided that I would try to make them myself.  I had to adjust this recipe from Allrecipes.com, but now it is a pretty good approximation of the family favorite!



Coconut Date Balls
Adapted from Allrecipes.com
Makes about 24

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup chopped dates
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups crispy rice cereal (for a g-free version use gluten-free rice krispies without malt flavoring)
1 cup flaked coconut

In a medium saucepan whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt and dates. Bring the mixture to a boil slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.  Boil for 3 minutes until thickened and gooey.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix in the crispy rice cereal. Let cool for a few minutes.  When cool enough to handle, use teaspoonfuls of the mixture to form small balls. Roll the balls in coconut. Serve or pack into tins.