Aunt Vernas Bourbon Balls Recipes

BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Combine the crushed wafers and pecans in a large bowl. Place the chopped chocolate in a separate bowl.
• In a small saucepan, combine the cream, corn syrup, and cinnamon, place over medium heat, and bring to just a boil, stirring constantly. Immediately pour the mixture over the chopped chocolate and whisk to blend in the cream as the chocolate melts. Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then whisk in the bourbon.
• Pour the chocolate mixture over the crumb-nut mixture and stir well to combine. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Form the mixture into balls with a small melon baller (about 2 teaspoons), roll in coatings if desired, and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 1 week.

BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans in a single layer. Bake until the pecans are toasted and crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Immediate transfer to a cutting board to cool.
• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse together the cookie crumbs (if you are starting with whole cookies, make the crumbs now then double-check to make sure you have 2 1/2 cups).
• Add the cooled nuts and salt. Continue to pulse, until the nuts are finely ground but not completely pulverized (you want them in small bits but for them to still have a little bit of texture).
• In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and molasses until smooth.
• Add to the food processor bowl and pulse until just combined.
• Scoop the mixture into a bowl and give it a few stirs if the ingredients are not evenly combined. Press it into a mass. Let rest at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the crumbs to absorb some of the liquid.
• Arrange anything you'd like to roll the balls in a shallow dish (a low bowl both works well).
• Portion the dough by tablespoonfuls (I like to use a tablespoon scoop like this) and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in toppings of your choice, then transfer to a storage container (or enjoy IMMEDIATELY!).

BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Spread the pecans on a cookie sheet, and place in the oven for 3 minutes. For even toasting, turn the tray, front to back. Toss the nuts with a metal spatula and bake for another 3 minutes. You'll know they're done when they give off their fragrant aroma, and be sure to check them so they don't become overbaked or charred.
• In a food processor, chop the vanilla wafers into crumbs. Add the pecans and process just until they are finely chopped. In a medium bowl, mix together the crumb-pecan mixture, 1/4 cup of the cocoa, and 1/4 cup of the confectioners' sugar. Add the corn syrup and bourbon. Mix thoroughly. Sift the remaining 1/4 cup cocoa and 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar onto a large plate. Form the crumb mixture into 3/4-inch balls and roll them through the cocoa-sugar to coat. Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days. If necessary, touch them up with a light dusting of the remaining confectioners' sugar.

BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Sift the cocoa and 1 cup powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Combine the bourbon and corn syrup and add to the cocoa mixture. Stir in the crushed wafers and pecans, mixing until well blended.
• Shape the mixture into 3/4-inch balls; roll in powdered sugar. Cover and chill at least 20 minutes and up to 2 weeks.

CLASSIC VANILLA BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• In a food processor, finely grind the shortbread. You should have 2 cups crumbs. Add the pecans and confectioners' sugar and pulse until the nuts are chopped. Transfer to a large bowl.
• In a small saucepan, bring the bourbon to a boil. Remove from the heat and add 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Pour into the pecan mixture and stir until well-combined. Form into sixteen 1/2-inch balls.
• Place the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips in a resealable plastic bag. Microwave in 20 second increments until melted, squeezing the chocolate in the bag to evenly melt. Snip a small hole in one corner and drizzle the chocolate onto the balls. Refrigerate in an airtight container until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 1 week.

MAPLE-PECAN BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the vanilla wafers and pecans and process until fine crumbs form. Add the maple syrup, cocoa, bourbon, vanilla, salt and 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar and process until completely combined and the mixture holds together when shaped into a ball.
• Portion the dough into 1 tablespoon scoops and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the dough is portioned, roll the scoops into neat balls.
• Melt the chocolate over a double boiler on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave. Using two forks, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, and rotate to cover completely in chocolate coating. Tap each of the covered balls over the edge of the bowl to release excess chocolate and transfer to the prepared sheet. Alternatively, roll the uncoated balls in the 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar until coated.
• Transfer the sheet to the fridge to set for at least 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

KENTUCKY BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Place the nuts in a sealable jar. Pour the bourbon over the nuts. Seal and allow to soak overnight.
• Mix the butter and sugar; fold in the soaked nuts. Form into 3/4" balls and refrigerate overnight.
• Line a tray with waxed paper. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Roll the balls in the melted chocolate to coat; arrange on the prepared tray. Store in refrigerator until serving.

BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Method:
• Mix all together and shape in small balls the size of a large cherry, and roll in confectioner's sugar. Makes about 40 balls, depending upon the size.