Cherry Walnut Bites Aka Raw Balls Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F
• Drain maraschino cherries on paper towels; pat dry to remove any excess liquid.
• Set cherries aside.
• Beat butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
• Beat in the 1/2 cup powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally.
• Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer.
• Stir in any remaining flour, nuts, and cherries with a wooden spoon.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
• Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
• Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until bottoms are lightly brown.
• Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheets on wire racks.
• Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat and transfer cookies to wire racks and cool completely.
• If desired, roll cooled cookies in additional powdered sugar before serving. Makes about 48 balls.
• *NOTE: To toast nuts, spread them in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Bake in a preheated 325F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until nuts are slightly golden brown, stirring once or twice. Cool completely. Chop nuts and set aside.
• TO STORE: Place cookies in layers separated by pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies, if frozen, before serving.

Steps:

• 1. *Note: Be sure to use sour cherries and *not* sweet cherries to maintain the balance of flavors: sweet/tart. Also, I replaced one tablespoon of fresh orange juice with one teaspoon of orange blossom water. If you don't have the latter, go ahead and add two tablespoons of orange juice as indicated in the original recipe.
• 2. Finely chop dried cherries, dates, and walnuts and combine in a large mixing bowl. Add orange juice, cinnamon, cardamom, chocolate chips, and coconut. Mix together with hands, working into a sticky mass. Mixture should hold together; if necessary, add another chopped date or a little more juice.
• 3. With clean, slightly wet hands, roll mixture into walnut-shell-size balls. Roll in excess shredded coconut, if desired. Gently place into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will become firmer as they cool.
• 4. Serve with tea or coffee. Best flavor at room temperature.