So delicious and so easy!
Gather the little children: they can help
A next door neighbour we had when I was a child used to make these and every Christmas she would bring over a batch as a Christmas present. It isn't a recipe from my grandmother's notebook but it is from one of her contemporaries and I'm sure had she tasted them, they would have been added immediately.
At least one of us had the presence of mind to ask for the recipe and I'm so glad! No, it wasn't me. My sister rewrote it for me about 35 years ago and that old, tattered and vanilla covered piece of paper is in front of me now as I write this.
There is a warm, custard-like undertone to these delectable treats and I think that is what makes them so memorable. The first part of the recipe needs to be done by an adult but once the mixture is cooled, it's time for the children to take over.
Divide the mixture into as many parts as there are children. Set a large plate of flaked coconut in the centre and make sure everyone can reach easily. Have them make little balls and roll them in coconut and don't worry if the mixture warms in over-eager hands. It just makes the coconut stick all the better!
Place in containers and store in the refrigerator. If you are layering them, use a sheet of waxed paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together.
Mrs. McKenzie's Recipe
In a saucepan, combine:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, well beaten
Cook this mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Add:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 2 cups rice krispies, rolled
Mix well and cool. Make into balls and roll in coconut. Keep in the refrigerator.
My Notes:
First, get the dates and crispy rice cereal ready.
I buy dates loosely packed and use scissors dipped in cold water to cut them up. However you want to do it is fine as long as you end up with a cup of finely chopped dates when you are finished. Put them in a bowl large enough to mix ingredients.
Rolling the crispy rice cereal is another job a child can do. Put 2 cups of cereal in a large freezer bag and be sure to get out as much air as you can before sealing. Hand the child a rolling pin and ask them to make crumbs out of the crispies. Add rolled crispies to the chopped dates.
I put all the ingredients listed in the first part (butter, sugar, cream, salt, and egg), together and whisk them in a heavy pot and heat at medium-high, stirring constantly. I trade the whisk for a wooden spoon at this point. Cook for 2 minutes and you will see it thicken. That's all you want it to do. It goes fast so watch it and don't stop stirring.
Remove from heat and stir this custardy mixture into the date mixture and add vanilla. Cool.
Once the mixture has cooled at least to room temperature, you can start making the balls. If you are in a hurry, pop the mixture into the refrigerator and stir every few minutes until cool enough.
From Mrs. McKenzie's house to our house to your house. Enjoy!
p.s. You can omit the vanilla and add a splash or rum, bourbon, brandy, orange or chocolate liqueur or whatever else sparks your imagination.
Let's start baking!
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