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Brown Burrs: Date-Nut Balls

Photo Credit
Nataliya Arzamasova/Shutterstock
The Editors
Yield
Makes about 3 dozen.
Category
Cookies and Bars
Course
Desserts
Occasions
Halloween
Preparation Method
Bake
Sources
Holiday Entertaining
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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.

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The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

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Comments

Anne (not verified)

1 year 7 months ago

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)

Mare-Anne Jarvela (not verified)

10 years 4 months ago

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