Dried Fruit Coconut Balls

Makes 21/2 dozen


Active time: 25 minutes


Start to finish: 55 minutes, including 30 minutes to chill

VARIATIONS

Use any combination of dried fruits.

Substitute any variety of nut.

Substitute crushed ginger snaps for the graham cracker crumbs.

Not all calories are created equal, and the fat calories in these treats are monounsaturated from the nuts, so they can be eaten without much guilt. The combination of fruits along with the sweet honey is really satisfying.

1 cup cashew pieces

11/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut

1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots

1/2 cup dried currants

1/2 cup finely chopped dried dates

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup honey

Vegetable oil spray

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place cashews on a baking sheet, and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove the pan from the oven, and finely chop nuts in a food processor using on-and-off pulsing, or by hand. Set aside. Place coconut on another baking pan, and toast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until browned. Remove the pan from the oven, and set aside.

2. Combine cashews, 1/2 cup coconut, dried apricots, dried currants, chopped dates, graham cracker crumbs, and honey in a mixing bowl. Stir with a strong spatula until mixed well. Add additional honey, if necessary, so mixture stays together.

3. Spray your hands with vegetable oil spray, and place remaining coconut in a shallow bowl. Make mixture into 2-inch balls, roll balls in coconut, and arrange balls on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Note: The balls can be stored refrigerated up to 1 week. Place them in an airtight container with sheets of plastic wrap in between the layers.