Festive Fruit & Nut Balls

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/festive_fruit_nut_balls.html

From EatingWell:  December 2006

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.

About 3 dozen cookies | Active Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 1/2 hours

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
• 1 teaspoon rum extract
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut

Preparation

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°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.

Nutrition

Per cookie : 64 Calories; 3 g Fat; 1 g Sat; 1 g Mono; 12 mg Cholesterol; 9 g Carbohydrates; 1 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 9 mg Sodium; 49 mg Potassium

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 carbohydrate (other), 1/2 fat

Tips & Notes

• 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.