In a skillet, melt butter over a medium heat.

Stir in brown sugar and dates, remove skillet from heat.

Stir in egg and then return to heat.

Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, about for 4 to 6 minutes.

Boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and stir in rice cereal, 1 cup of flaked coconut , cherries and vanilla.

Once mixed together, let stand for 10 minutes.

Shape rounded teaspoonfuls into 1 inch balls and then roll in the 2 ½ cups of flaked coconut.