Festive Fruit & Nut Balls
A no-bake, make-ahead treat, this perfect combination of fruit and nuts is a nutritious and delicious mouthful. Rolling them in shredded coconut gives them their festive look.
Prep Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
about 3 dozen cookies
Ingredients
-
3/4 cup sugar
-
1/2 cup dried cranberries
-
1/2 cup pitted and snipped dates
-
2 large eggs, beaten
-
1/3 cup chopped pistachios, preferably unsalted
-
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
-
1/3 cup chopped pecans
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1 teaspoon rum extract
-
3/4 cup shredded coconut
Directions
1.
Combine sugar, cranberries, dates and eggs in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, is pale yellow in color, registers at least 170 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer and when a spoon is pulled through it, it leaves a clear trail. This will take 6 to 14 minutes, depending on how hot your stove's "medium-low" setting is.
2.
Remove from the heat; stir in pistachios, walnuts, pecans and rum extract. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 45 minutes.
3.
With damp or lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 1 generous teaspoon each). Roll each ball in coconut. Place the finished balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and store in the refrigerator.
Tip:
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Place on wax paper; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition information
Calories 64, Total Fat 3 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 12 mg, Sodium 9 mg, Carbohydrate 9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g, Potassium 49 mg. Exchanges: Other Carbohydrate 0.5, Fat 0.5.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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