Kathy Ness’ Pecan-Date Balls
2025 Baking Court of Honor Recipe
Kathy Ness has long been the heart of the Durham Fair Youth Department. Originally joining the committee decades ago with her daughter, Carrie, Kathy assumed the role of Superintendent after her predecessor stepped away in 2001. Under her leadership a new and welcoming environment, rooted in support and appreciation, began to grow. The Youth Department became more than a committee, they became a loving family. Whether it’s her fun, off season get-togethers, a needed shoulder during hard times or her spirited “can do” attitude during fair season, Kathy’s caring nature is the glue that hold her committee together year after year. She takes true joy in encouraging the Youth Department exhibitors (whom she lovingly refer to as “her kids”) to be creative and do their very best and is so proud to watch them grow with each year. There is no question how much the Durham Fair means to Kathy, and we are so lucky to have her as part of our Fair family.
Pecan-Date Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup soft salted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups finely ground pecans
- 1 cup diced dates (8 oz. package)
- confectioners sugar
Directions
- Cream butter & granulated sugar
- Add vanilla, mix lightly
- Add flour, mix lightly
- Add pecans & dates, mix until well blended
- Make heaping teaspoon sized balls out of the dough
- Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours
- Place 1″ apart on non-greased cookie sheet
- Bake at 350 until lightly brown (approximately 20 minutes but baking time may vary)
- Remove from sheet and immediately roll in confectioners sugar.
- Cool completely
- Sprinkle with more confectioners sugar if desired.
Calling All Exhibitors
Learn more about exhibiting at the Durham Fair by visiting the 2026 Exhibitor Information page. You will find a listing of categories, rules and regulations, as well as special awards available for our winners.
Become an Exhibitor
