Crafty Recipe - Tropical Fruit Candy by Wen Zientek-Sico Quick and easy gifts that taste great and are healthy are hard to find during the holidays. This "candy" is one such gift that your family will enjoy making almost as much as they enjoy eating.

Tropical Fruit Candy

These quick and easy no bake confections are fun for the whole family to make together. While these cookies can be made by hand, it is much easier and faster to make them in a food processor. To make by hand, finely mince the dates, apricots, prunes, papaya, almonds, and raisins with a sharp knife. For a more adult treat, use 3 tablespoons orange liqueur in place of the orange juice concentrate. Feel free to substitute different dried fruits for the dates, apricots, prunes, papaya, and raisins. Any favorite nut can also be substituted in place of the macadamia nuts.

3/4 cup pitted dates
3/4 cup unsulphured dried apricots
1/2 cup pitted prunes
1/2 cup dried papaya
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/4 cup raisins
2 1/2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup finely chopped or crushed dried banana chips

Place the dates, apricots, prunes, papaya, almonds, and raisins in a food processor and process until finely ground. Add the orange juice concentrate and honey. Pulse until the mixture holds together. Mix together the coconut and banana chips on a small plate. Shape the date mixture into 3/4 inch balls, then roll in the coconut mixture. Place the balls on waxed paper or a cookie sheet and let dry for 1 hour before packing. Store in an airtight container or wrap in clear cellophane bags for a pretty presentation.

Makes about 50 balls.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes