1/2 c. butter
1 (10 oz.) container chopped dates
3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
3 c. oven toasted rice cereal
1/2 c. walnuts
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (7 oz.) coconut

In 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in dates and brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until dates dissolve and mix thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cereal, walnuts, vanilla, and 1 cup of the coconut. Cool, mix 10 minutes or until cool enough to shape.

Place remaining coconut on waxed paper. Shape cereal mixture into 1-inch balls, roll in coconut. Store in tightly covered container. Makes 4 1/2 dozen.