Cherry Blossom Snowballs

Cherry Blossom Snowballs

 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups unsweetened coconut (divided)
• ¾ cup cocoa (sifted)
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
• pinch of salt
• 1¼ cups evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup butter (cut in small cubes)
• 34 maraschino cherries

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine roll oats, 1 cup of coconut, cocoa, walnuts and salt – mix well and set aside.

• In a large saucepan, med-low heat, combine milk, vanilla, sugar and butter. Stir until all ingredients are totally dissolved. 
• Increase to med-high heat and bring to a gently boil (at this time do not stir mixture). 
• Continue cooking for 10 minutes or until temperature reaches 230F on a candy thermometer or at the soft-ball stage. 
• Remove from heat and let mixture settle (approx 1 minute). 
• Add mixture to dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. 
• Place mixture in refrigerator until cool enough to handle or overnight. 
• Shape into round balls, insert a hole in center with finger, place a cherry in each and close. 
• Coat by rolling in coconut.
• Makes 34 balls (1½“)