Date Ball Cookies for Christmas

I remember having these every year for Christmas when I was in my 20's..many years ago.  My mother-in-law used to love date baked goods and she introduced me to them..Once she knew I loved them she'd always make some for me.  I decided to make them this year for our Christmas eve gathering and both my son, Joe, and my granddaughter, Alana, really liked them, so going forward it might be a new/old tradition once again.  They are easy to put together, kind of sticky to roll, but I just used a small cookie scoop and managed just fine to get them rolled into a ball before rolling them in more coconut.

Grandma's Date Ball Christmas Cookies: (no bake)

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 (8 ounce) package of chopped dates
1 egg. slightly beaten
3 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup coconut, plus some for rolling the balls in later
1 teaspoon good vanilla (real)

In a heavy saucepan, melt butter.

Stir in brown sugar and dates.

Cook until sugar is melted.

Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg well.

Return to stove on medium heat.

Heat, stirring constantly until boiling.

Boil and stir for one minute.

Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the ingredients.  Let cool off until easily handled.

Roll into balls, about 1 inch, then roll into some more coconut to coat.

Store airtight.