Bourbon Ham Balls Recipes

BOURBON HAM BALLS

Steps:

• Cut ham, pork chop and bacon into 1-in. pieces; arrange in a single layer in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. pan. Freeze 30 minutes or until partially frozen., Preheat oven to 350°. Transfer meat to a food processor in batches; pulse until coarsely ground, 20-24 pulses. In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, milk and eggs. Add meat mixture; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., In a large skillet, heat 1/4 in. oil over medium heat. Add ham balls in batches; cook 3-4 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally. Remove from pan; drain on paper towels., In a large bowl, whisk sauce ingredients; reserve 1 cup for serving. Add ham balls to sauce, a few at a time, allowing ham balls to soak 1-2 minutes. Transfer ham balls to a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 15-20 minutes or until heated through, brushing occasionally with remaining sauce from soaking. Serve with reserved sauce.

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.

PRESSURE-COOKER CHERRY BOURBON HAM BALLS

Steps:

• Cut ham into 2-in. pieces; place in a food processor. Process until ground; transfer to a large bowl. Add ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, ground mustard and pepper; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls., Place trivet insert in a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Place meatballs on trivet, overlapping as needed. Combine undrained cherries, sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce; pour over meatballs. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 15 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally. Remove meatballs; keep warm. Remove trivet., In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and bourbon until smooth; add to cooking juices in cooker. Select saute setting and adjust for low heat. Simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Press cancel. Serve with meatballs.