More Thyme Than Dough Blog Swap

Hi Everyone! I am Roberta from More Thyme Than Dough

When Kate first suggested we do a Guest Post on each others blogs I did not hesitate a nano-second in saying yes.

Kate was one of the first people to follow me on Twitter.  We have been friends for years. I admire Kate because she bakes. I can, mind you. But I don’t.

Kate bakes. And her baked goods are to die for. How do I know that? I will share that story on Thursday when I share Kate’s Pecan Pie Bars over at my blog. Suffice it to say for now that Kate is a fabulous person. But rest assured, I will give you the low-down and ALL the scoop that’s fit to be published on Calamity Kate this coming Thursday. Along with her Pecan Pie Bars (*my mouth is drooling as I type this*) Kate’s deepest, darkest secrets shall be revealed. I spare nothing!

After I accepted Kate’s invitation panic set in. I don’t bake. What kind of recipe could I share on her wonderful blog? Fortunately I remembered these no-bake little jewels. It is more candy than baked goods. But candy, cookie, cake. Who cares? They are all delicious sweets.

So with no more ado and with a grateful heart to Kate for sharing these with her readers I give you…….

Apricot and Pecan Balls

Please visit Roberta at More Thyme Than Dough tomorrow for my pecan pie bars

Apricot and Pecan Balls
Recipe from More Thyme Than Dough
Ingredients for 25 balls

1 cup of dried apricots
1 cup flaked coconut
¼ cup condensed milk
1 cup pecans   
¼ cup pecan crumbs
¼ cup powdered sugar

First cut the dried apricots into slices. I have found that slicing them before they go into the processor makes for a better chop. 

Then add the sliced apricots along with the coconut flakes to a processor. Process on low until finely chopped and well combined.

Add the milk to the processor and mix well.

Place the  mixture in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 45 minutes.
In the meantime process the cup of pecans. Do not over process these pecans. You just want a rough chop like in the picture below. Place in a bowl. I call these Pecans #1.

 Now add the ¼ cup of pecans and process until very fine and crumbly. Set aside. I call these Pecan #2. 

Remove the mixture from the fridge and add the chopped (not crumbly) nuts, or  Pecans #1. The mixture will be stiff. So I have found it best to mix the nuts by hand. Make sure the nuts are spread evenly through all of the candy mixture.

Place some wax paper on a baking sheet.

Set up the apricot mixture, powdered sugar, and crumbly pecans (Pecans #2) up in assembly line fashion.

Take a tablespoon size scoop of the apricot/pecan mixture and shape into a small ball. Roll first in powdered sugar and then in the crumbly pecans. (Or as an alternative, roll in coconut flakes. This is great for winter and/or Christmas as it looks like a snowball.)

Store on waxed paper in an airtight can in the refrigerator.

Makes 25 pieces of candy. 

Sometimes I only roll the balls in the powdered sugar. That is why you see brown and white balls. They are delicious addictive little things! 

If you want to learn more, here are some of my More Thyme Than Dough Favorites

Grocery Store Rant with Mini Corn Dog Muffins

Things I Have Learned About Life and Curry Pork Chops

Winter Blahs and Goat Cheese with Pistachios and Dried Cranberries

Maple Syrup Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans (my personal favorite)