COCONUT-DATE-NUT BALLS

3/4 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup butter

1 (8 ounce) package dates, chopped

3/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup egg substitute

3/4 cup sugar, Splenda or Stevia granulated

3 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake coconut, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes or until toasted. Set aside.

Melt butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add dates and pecans; cook over low heat, stirring constantly until dates are softened. Cool to touch (about 5 minutes).

Beat egg substitute and sweetener for 3 minutes at medium speed with an electric mixer; add to date mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 3 minutes). Stir in rice cereal.

When cool to touch, shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in toasted coconut.

Yield: 36 balls

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