Apricot Nuggets

Make these a month before Christmas, then stash in a cool place until ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces confectioners' sugar
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 11 ounces dried apricots
• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups coconut

Instructions

1. Run apricots through grinder.
2. Mix sugar, butter, orange juice and vanilla extract. Put sugar mixture and ground apricots in a plastic bag and knead until well blended. Form into 1 inch balls. Roll in chopped pecans.
3. Place coconut in a bowl and flatten the apricot balls in the coconut with the bottom of a glass, turn over and flatten again so coconut is pressed into both sides. Adjust pressure so the nuggets are about 3/8 inch thick.
4. Layer with wax paper in plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
5. Store in a cool dark place for 2 to 4 weeks. Flavor improves with age.