Almond Date Confections

Name: Almond Date Confections
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 tube (7 ounces) almond paste; 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 to 1 teaspoon water, optional; 18 pitted dates, halved; 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; Sweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped almonds, toasted

For our first Christmas together, I made these fast candies for my then-boyfriend. He has begged me for them every holiday since...and we've been married for more than 10 years! —Katherine Job, Carmel, Indiana

Ingredients

1 tube (7 ounces) almond paste
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 to 1 teaspoon water, optional
18 pitted dates, halved
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Sweetened shredded coconut or finely chopped almonds, toasted

Directions

In a bowl, combine the almond paste, confectioners' sugar and extract. Knead until mixture forms a ball, adding water if mixture is too crumbly. Cut dates in half widthwise. Wrap about 1-1/2 teaspoons of almond mixture around each date half and roll into a ball.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Dip balls in chocolate, then roll in coconut or almonds. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Store in a covered container at room temperature.