Coconut Date Slices

2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
3/4 cups evaporated milk
6 3/4 ounces pitted dates
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted


Mix first 3 in saucepan. Cook, stirring until a small amount of mixture forms a soft ball when dropped in cold water (232 f). Add dates; cook, stirring, until mixture returns to 232 f. Remove from heat, and cool to lukewarm (110 f). Add remaining, except coconut, and beat until thick. Shape in 2 or 3 rolls 1 1/2 inch in diameter. Roll in coconut. When firm, cut in 1/2 inch slices.