Angel Delights

Frances Van Vynckt, 78, combined dates, toasted rice cereal and coconut into an easy no-bake treat that won EatingWell’s 2008 cookie contest.

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates, (8 ounces)

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies

1 cup shredded coconut

Step 1
Combine butter, sugar and dates in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, the sugar is no longer white and the dates are mostly melted, 8 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be a shiny, brown sticky mass. Remove from the heat.

Step 2
Add salt, vanilla, cereal and coconut; stir well to combine.

Step 3
When cool enough to handle, squeeze and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until chilled.