Date, Coconut and Walnut Balls

Everyone’s supposed to love holiday cookies. And I do, really I do. I appreciate the artistry, the loving effort, and the sweet reminder to enjoy this festive season.

But those little gems of butter and sugar stress me out. Knowing that I will never have the time to pipe icing around a gingerbread man or extrude sugar dough from a cookie press makes me sad, just sad.

The good news is that if you adore the idea of giving and getting edible gifts like I do, there are plenty of solutions. Take these addictive date balls. Made in a snap from three ingredients, they are the kind of holiday confection I am thrilled to bestow or receive.

I’ve experimented by varying the dried fruits — try prunes, figs, and apricots — as well as the nuts (pistachios, pecans, walnuts, sesame seeds), and all are delicious. Stack them on a silver tray or in a versatile glass canister for someone who deserves a taste of jolly.

In fact, if you were thinking of giving me cookies over the holidays, you just might want to reconsider.

Makes about 2 dozen balls

1 pound organic Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup walnuts (pecans or almonds are delicious, too), toasted, chopped finely

1. In a food processor, chop the dates and coconut finely.

2. Place the toasted chopped walnuts in a small bowl. Using your hands, roll small balls (about a tablespoon full) of the date mixture. Roll in the chopped nuts and place in an airtight container or gift canister.

Looking for other quick and delicious edible gifts? Here’s what I’ll be giving over the holidays…

Homemade Pumpkin Butter

Farmgirl Tofu Bolognese

Cranberry Raspberry Relish

Dark Chocolate Walnut Bourbon Pie

Share with us YOUR favorite giftable treat and you could win one of four beautiful boxes of produce from Farmbox LA or some festive goodies from the Farmgirl Store!

Photo credit: Taste of Home