Christmas Strawberries - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) pkg. pitted whole dates
1/4 c. flaked coconut
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. butter
1 egg, slightly beaten
dash of salt
1 1/2 c. Rice Krispies
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 (2.25 oz.) jars red sugar crystals
1 (4.25 oz.) tube commercial green decorator frosting

Preparation

Chop dates into small pieces.
Combine dates, coconut, sugar, butter, egg and salt in a large skillet.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to boil (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in cereal, chopped pecans and vanilla.
Cool for 10 minutes.
Shape mixture to look like strawberries, using 2 teaspoons mixture for each.
Roll in red sugar crystals, coating heavily.
Pipe stems onto strawberries with green frosting.
Makes 3 dozen.