Cherry Date Skillet Cookies

In a 10-inch Teflon skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and dates; remove from heat.

Stir in egg.

Return to heat and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a full boil (4 to 6 minutes). Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute; remove from heat.

Stir in rice cereal, 1 cup flaked coconut, cherries and vanilla until moistened.

Let stand 10 minutes.

Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls.

Roll each ball in remaining 2 1/2 cups flaked coconut.

Makes about 5 dozen.