You didn’t think I could let the holidays go by without sharing a holiday recipe, did you? 🙂 This is a recipe that my mom got way back in the day when my dad was stationed in Germany. There was a cookie swap with neighbors/friends/fellow military families, and my mom ended up with this recipe: date balls. Ever since, it has been a staple in our holiday baking regimen. Granted, they aren’t technically cookies nor do they need baking, but they are delicious. And I have many fond Christmas-time memories of helping my mom make them. This was my first year making them on my own, and I was without the aid of child minions to help with the assembly. 😀 But they are still just as tasty – the perfect level of sweetness, with just the right amount of crunchy bits. Nom.
 

Date Balls

 

Ingredients

  • 1/4 lb. butter (1 stick)
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. chopped dates
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 1/2 c. Rice Krispies cereal
  • 8 oz. chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. Cook butter, sugar, dates and egg over low heat til thick, stirring frequently.
  2. Add vanilla, stir, let cool.
  3. Add Rice Krispies, mix well.
  4. With greased (butter) hands, roll into 1″ balls, then cover/roll in the chopped walnuts.
  5. Enjoy! Makes 3-4 dozen.

What are some of your favorite holiday recipes?