sugar high

Just yesterday, I had a 'bake off' of sorts with my friend, Kitty. The challenge was to create a goody of any kind based loosely on the theme of Christmas. Kitty went all out with a fabulously fun adaptation of the rainbow cake.

I opted for date 'truffles', a buttery concoction that combines dates, coconut and other glorious goodness. They are a family favourite; ridiculously more-ish with the illusion of healthfulness as they contain cereal and dates. Just in case you are interested...

1/2 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup well-chopped dates
2 1/2 cups rice crispies or cornflakes
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans work particularly well)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dessicated coconut and icing sugar

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Throw in sugar and beaten eggs, whisking furiously all the while so the eggs have no opportunity to scramble.
2. Once well combined, add the dates. Keep stirring over a low flame for about 5 minutes until the concoction turns chocolate brown.
3. Take it off the heat, and add the vanilla. Then mix in the cereal and nuts.
4. On a large plate, mix enough coconut (about a cup) and icing sugar (3 or so tbsps)to coat the date truffles.
5. When your date mixture is still warm but cool enough to handle, shape into small balls and roll in the coconut/sugar mixture. Theoretically, you should store in an airtight container in a cool place, ideally the refrigerator, but they never last long enough to warrant storage in our home. :)

It was a great afternoon/evening, and I'm toying with the idea of making this a semi-regular event amongst those inclined in my circle of friends. All part of my effort to live creatively... I'm well aware that I also need to step up my exercise regime to compensate. :/

In other news, I joined Pinterest last week. This was a very bad move indeed. Addictive does not even begin to cover it. On the one hand, gorgeous inspiration, on the other hand my supposed 10 minute forays turn into 4 hour trawlings. Oh vell...