Coconut Cherry Patties - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. flaked coconut
1 tsp. vanilla extract
red and green candied cherries, halved

Preparation

Spread a large sheet of waxed paper on a work surface.
In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and milk.
Cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved.
Reduce heat to moderate and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches soft ball stage (238\u00b0 on candy thermometer).
Remove pan from heat and stir in coconut and vanilla.
Drop the candy on waxed paper by teaspoonfuls, about 2 inches apart.
With spatula, flatten mound. Place 1/2 candied cherry in center of each patty.
May substitute pecan or walnut halves.