CHERRY BLOSSOM SNOWBALLS

Cherry Blossom Snowballs image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 10

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

Steps:

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")