Date and Nut Treats Recipe

Regular Method :

• In large microwaveable bowl, microwave margarine at HIGH about 1 minute or until melted.
• Stir in sugar, dates, cherries and egg; mix well.
• Microwave at HIGH 4 - 42 minutes, stirring every 12 minutes, until mixture is smooth and thickened.
• Add vanilla.
• Stir in cereal and nuts; mix well.
• Drop by 15 mL (tablespoon) measure onto coconut in shallow dish.
• Form into balls, rolling in coconut.
• Chill.
• Store in refrigerator, covered.

Stove Top Method :

• In large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir date mixture until it comes to a boil.
• Boil 3-5 minutes.
• Follow Step 2 above.

Variation:

• Sprinkle half of coconut over bottom of lightly-buttered 2 L (9") square pan.
• Spoon on cereal mixture; spread evenly. Top with remaining coconut, pressing into mixture. Chill. Cut in small squares.
• Notes: Cooking times are for 700 - watt microwave ovens; increase by 15 - 30 seconds for lower-wattage ovens.