Simple Bourbon Balls

Simple Bourbon Balls

This recipe is one that my family makes every year for the holidays. Mixing the deliciousness of a good bourbon, the sweetness of powdered sugar, the nuttiness of walnuts or pecans, and the richness of dark chocolate, this treat will be the talk of the holidays. It takes a little bit of time, but I can promise you that it is well worth the wait.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (I add mine to a blender to make them a fine crumb)
• 3 Tbsp Top Shelf Bourbon (I used Old Forester Statesmen, see my review here)
• 1/4 Cup Butter Softened (this step is important)
• 3 Cups Powder Sugar otherwise known as confectioners sugar.
• 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips (Ghirardelli works well)
• 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream

Directions for the Filling:

1. Start by blending the walnuts or pecans into a small blender. Pour into a small bowl and pour your bourbon on top, mixing well and letting them soak for 1-2 hours.
2. Cream your butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl with a hand mixer or stand up mixer with the paddle attachment. (If you use a hand mixer, be prepared for some to shoot out of the bowl)
3. Add your bourbon soaked walnuts or pecans and mix well until the mixture comes together.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and place into your fridge for 1 hour.
5. Using a 1in. ice cream scoop, scoop your mixture and place onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. You may have to press into the scoop to make sure the mixture doesn’t crumble apart.
6. Place into fridge for six hours or overnight.

Directions for the Ganache:

1. In a small sauce pan, heat 3/4 cup of heavy cream over low heat and add your chocolate chips. Whisk constantly until your chocolate has melted and is smooth. (if you want at this stage you can add 1tbsp of bourbon and whisk well)
2. Carefully place one of your bourbon balls on a fork and coat in the chocolate, making sure to let excess drip off. Place onto the wax paper and continue until all of your bourbon balls are covered.
3. Place into a fridge overnight to let the ganache set.
4. Enjoy!

Note:

1. I tend to keep mine in the fridge to avoid the chocolate melting.
2. This recipe does not burn out the alcohol so be sure to remember that.