No-Bake Spiced Fruitcake Balls

• 1/2 cup pitted dried dates
• 1/2 cup dried black figs, stemmed and halved
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons dark rum or brandy
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 2 tablespoons chopped candied lemon or orange peel
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch of salt
• Green, red or white sanding sugar, for decorating

1. Combine the dried dates, figs and cranberries in a medium microwave-safe bowl; add 2 tablespoons rum and the butter.
2. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring, until the dried fruit is softened and the butter is melted, about 3 minutes.
3. Set aside.
4. Toast the pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool, then coarsely chop.
6. Combine the graham crackers, crystallized ginger, candied lemon peel, molasses, cinnamon, allspice and salt in a food processor.
7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon rum, the pecans and the dried-fruit mixture (with any liquid from the bowl).
8. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and holds together when squeezed.
9. (If the mixture is dry, add a little water just until it holds together.)
10. Roll tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls and arrange on a baking sheet.
11. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
12. Put the sanding sugar on a plate.
13. Roll the balls in the sugar to coat.
14. Photograph by Levi Brown

dates, black figs, cranberries, dark rum, unsalted butter, pecans, graham crackers, ginger, molasses, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, green

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/no-bake-spiced-fruitcake-balls.html (may not work)