No-Bake Spiced Fruitcake Balls

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pitted dried dates
• 1/2 cup dried black figs
• stemmed and halved
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons dark rum or brandy
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 2 tablespoons chopped candied lemon or orange peel
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Pinch of salt
• Green
• red or white sanding sugar
• for decorating

Instructions

1. Combine the dried dates, figs and cranberries in a medium microwave-safe bowl; add 2 tablespoons rum and the butter.
2. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring, until the dried fruit is softened and the butter is melted, about 3 minutes.
3. Set aside.
4. Toast the pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool, then coarsely chop.
6. Combine the graham crackers, crystallized ginger, candied lemon peel, molasses, cinnamon, allspice and salt in a food processor.
7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon rum, the pecans and the dried-fruit mixture (with any liquid from the bowl).
8. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and holds together when squeezed.
9. (If the mixture is dry, add a little water just until it holds together.)
10. Roll tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls and arrange on a baking sheet.
11. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
12. Put the sanding sugar on a plate.
13. Roll the balls in the sugar to coat.
14. Photograph by Levi Brown