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Brown Burrs: Date-Nut Balls

Photo Credit
Nataliya Arzamasova/Shutterstock
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
Makes about 3 dozen.
Category
Cookies and Bars
Course
Desserts
Occasions
Halloween
Preparation Method
Bake
Sources
Holiday Entertaining

This is an old reader recipe for “brown burrs” that we love. Think of them as small date-nut balls. They’re delicious and even naturally healthy (no added sugar!). They’re great for any occasion—even a Wednesday.

You can use different nuts; we like walnuts. The shredded coconut on the outside is optional; roll in the coconut for a festive snowball effect.

Ingredients
1 pound dates, finally chopped
2 cups shredded coconut, divided
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons grated orange zest (or chopped candied orange peel)

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the dates, 1 cup of coconut, and the walnuts. (Note: You can use a meat grinder or food processor until finely chopped.) Add lemon juice and orange peel. Knead until well blended. Form rounded 1/2 teaspoonfuls of the mixture and shape into balls with your fingers.

Chop remaining 1 cup coconut until quite fine and toast very lightly to a delicate brown.

Spread the coconut on a plate. Roll balls immediately in coconut and set aside to dry.

Add extra coconut flakes for that snowball effect, pressing to coat.

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...
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Comments

<span>Anne</span> Thu, 03/23/2023 - 08:24
Excellent perfect for backpacking & trail-walking! You can use different nuts; we like walnuts. The shredded coconut on the outside is optional; roll in the coconut for a festive snowball effect. Ingredients 1 pound dates, finally chopped 2 cups shredded coconut, divided 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons grated orange zest (or chopped candied orange peel)
<span>Mare-Anne Jarvela</span> Fri, 06/20/2014 - 10:27

Tasty with no added sugar. Perfect to put in a lunchbox or as an after school snack.