Festive Fruit & Nut Balls

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

Nutrition Profile

Diabetes appropriate | Low carbohydrate | Gluten free |

View Our Nutrition Guidelines »

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

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.
Remove from the heat; stir in pistachios, walnuts, pecans and rum extract. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 45 minutes.
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.

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.

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.

Carbohydrate Servings: 1/2

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

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