Krispie Date 'n Sunflower Seed Balls

These yummy treats are not only easy to make...
they are down right healthy too.

I make a date granola bar with similar ingredients but I wanted a lighter snack to put in the boy's lunches. I came across one in Company's Coming Healthy Choices which looked so simple I had to try it. A nice, light, nutritious bite (or two) and 1 roll is only 53 calories.

• 1 tbsp butter (or margarine)
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups rice crisp cereal
• 1/4 cup salted roasted sunflower seeds (yep...I said salted..you need to balance the taste of the dates so salted it is)

Melt the butter in a small pot on medium heat. Add the next three ingredients. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. (The dates will 'melt' and combined with the sugar and butter it will turn into a brown 'paste'.) Remove from the heat. Add the cereal and sunflower seeds. Stir. Let stand for about 10 minutes until it is cool enough to handle. Shape into 1 inch balls.

You might want to coat your hands with cooking spray to keep the date mixture from sticking to them while you form the balls.