My Big Sweet Balls

Several of the lovelies from our MN blogger cookie exchange have expressed how much they enjoyed the taste of my balls.  So, here is the recipe:

Michael's Big Sweet Balls

(You can call them Cherry Date Balls, if you like.)

1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. chopped dates
1/3 c. chopped maraschino cherries
3/4 c. sugar
5 c. Rice Krispies
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Put butter, dates, cherries and sugar into a medium sauce pan.  Cook over medium heat.  Stir constantly once the mixture starts bubbling and stir until it looks like a very soft paste.  (If you've made caramel corn before, you'll know the look.) 
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Krispies and pecans.  Use a spatula to pour the hot mixture over the nuts and Krispies.  Stir until all the Krispies and nuts are well covered.
Then, pour some sugar in a soup bowl.  Take a tablespoon and scoop out some of the mixture, roll into a ball (it helps if you have a little butter on your hands or spray them with Pam or even water), then roll in sugar.  Set balls aside to cool.