To me, Christmas was not Christmas without homemade candy, and this was the most popular type in the house. It's quite similar to a commercial product that advertises with the slogan, "Sometimes you feel like a nut." But here, the nuts are pecans, though walnuts can be substituted in their place. Here in Texas, where the pecan tree is the state tree and are quite fresh in abundant quantities this time of year, walnuts are rather passe. Pardon me if I offend anyone's prerogative.
     This is not a "quick and be done with it" recipe. This one takes some dedication to the task to make them one at a time, and a team is much better in sharing production duties. After all, it is the holiday, and team work is half the fun, the joy of sharing.
     For this recipe, I must credit the Bohne Memorial Hospital Cookbook (Brenham, Tx.) from a recipe contributed by Audrey Pohlmeyer, whom I've never had the joy of meeting. But I've certainly put away her recipe in more than sufficient quantities to call it my own. Thanks, Audrey, for all the sweet times.

     I can not ignore the usual warnings.

Ingredients:

Eagle brand milk, 1 cup
Butter, 1 stick (1/2 cup)
Powdered sugar, 1 1/2 box
Pecan bits, 3 cups
Angel flake coconut, 1 can
Chocolate chips, 12 oz.
Parafin, one square box

     Note that the recipe is not the most specific that I've encountered, but it works nonetheless. Consequently, I never bothered to translate to more specific measurements.

     Melt the butter and pour over the pecans. Add coconut, sugar, and milk. Mix thoroughly, roll into 1 inch balls, chill to set firm. Put chocolate and parafin into double boiler and stir and mix. Remove from heat and use toothpicks to dip coconut balls in the chocolate. Lay on wax paper and allow to cool.
     Makes 6 dozen.

     The coconut can be shaped into any shape that the imagination can conjure and chilled to set. Don't get too big, or you'll cool the chocolate prematurely, and you'll have to rewarm the mix.
     Also, try to eat them within a couple of days. The sugar will crystalize in 36 to 48 hours. Don't worry. They vanish. Just don't horde or over-produce. Be generous, and expect to be popular. After all, it's the season to add a few centimeters of insulation for the winter ahead.