Cherry Blossom Snowballs

Makes 34 balls (1½“) Ingredients: 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 34 maraschino cherries

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.