1-1/4 cups flaked coconut, lightly packed
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
red or green candied cherries, halved (optional)
1. In a heavy saucepan, combine flaked coconut, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it is very thick and leaves side of pan, forming a ball in the center as you stir (15 to 20 minutes).
2. Turn onto a buttered baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap. Let cool completely.
3. Shape candy into balls with lightly greased hands. Roll in nuts and top with cherry half. Cover and store in refrigerator.
Variation: Stir 1 cup crushed cereal into cooked candy before cooling and shaping.
Yield 2-1/2 dozen;