Date Coconut Balls

1 1/2 cups chopped dates
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp. butter or margarine
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups crisp rice cereal
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup chopped cherries

Combine dates, sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in saucepan. Heat. Cook, stirring for about 5 minutes. Stir in cereal, nuts and cherries. Cool until mixture is warm.

Shape into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in coconut. Butter hands to prevent dough from sticking. Makes 4 dozen..

Provided by Fran Bonner from the 70th Anniversary Cookbook, Renfrew Hospital.