Recipe(tried): Mallow-Date Roll

Jan & Peg,
I've never known anyone outside my Dad's family that has ever heard of this, much less made or ate it! It's my Dad's favorite Christmas treat. The recipe made in our family is much like yours, Peg, except it always has crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries in it.

MALLOW-DATE ROLL

3 cups fine graham cracker crumbs, divided
1 1/2 cups pitted dates, cut up
1 cup chopped walnuts
4 cups mini-marshmallows (or 1/2 lb. large (about 32) cut up
1 (9 ounce) can (1 cup) crushed pineapple with syrup
1 small bottle maraschino cherries, drained
1/2 cup heavy cream

Spread 1/2 cup of the graham cracker crumbs crumbs on waxed paper.

Mix remaining crumbs with dates, walnuts, marshmallows, pineapple (including syrup from can) and cherries in a large bowl.

Add cream and mix well. Turn date mixture onto crumbs.

Using waxed paper to help, shape mixture into a long, 3 1/2-inch in diameter roll. Cover roll with graham cracker crumbs. Wrap in waxed paper, chill overnight.

Cut into 3/4-inch slices to serve, topped with whipped cream if desired.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.