Date Cookies

1 (8-ounce) package pitted dates, chopped

½ cup flaked coconut

½ cup sugar

¼ cup (½ stick) butter

1 large egg, slightly beaten

1½ cups crisp rice cereal

½ cup chopped walnuts

1 teaspoon vanilla

Red and green sugars

In a large saucepan combine the dates, coconut, sugar, butter, and egg. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cereal, walnuts, and vanilla. Cool 10 minutes. Shape the cookies into balls. Keep fingers moist with butter. Roll in colored sugar and serve.

Makes 1½ dozen cookies

Jean Davison, Red Hat Lady
Purple Passions,
Cincinnati, Ohio