Date Nut Balls (Janice Ann's)

½ cup butter                                                   
2-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
¾ cup sugar                                                  
1 cup chopped pecans
1 8-oz package chopped dates                      
flaked coconut or powdered sugar
 
Combine butter, sugar and dates in medium saucepan.  Bring to a bowl, cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.  Stir in cereal and pecans; cool to touch.  Shape into 1” balls and roll in coconut or powdered sugar.  Makes 4 dozen.