Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a food processor, pulse vanilla wafer cookies until they become fine crumbs.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
3. Add bourbon and light corn syrup to the dry mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and vegetable shortening until smooth.
7. Using a fork, dip each bourbon ball into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess chocolate.
8. Place the chocolate-covered balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool until the chocolate hardens.
9. Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Chill the bourbon balls in the refrigerator.
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 24 bourbon balls.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150 per serving
- Total fat: 9g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of vanilla wafer crumbs, you can use graham cracker crumbs.
- Instead of chopped pecans, you can use chopped walnuts or almonds.
- Instead of bourbon, you can use rum or brandy.
- Instead of semisweet chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture for a spiced flavor.
- Roll the bourbon balls in chopped toasted coconut or sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Use different types of alcohol for different flavors, such as tequila or Irish cream.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the mixture is well combined before rolling into balls to prevent them from falling apart.
- Chill the balls before dipping them in chocolate to prevent them from melting.
- Use a fork to dip the balls in chocolate and tap off any excess chocolate for a smooth finish.
Storage instructions:
- Store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- These bourbon balls are best served chilled and do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Place the bourbon balls in a decorative box or tin for a gift.
- Arrange the bourbon balls on a platter with other desserts for a party.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the bourbon balls with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
Pairings:
- Serve the bourbon balls with a glass of bourbon or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- These bourbon balls are a dessert and do not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add more bourbon or corn syrup.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more powdered sugar or wafer crumbs.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store the bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Bourbon balls are a traditional Kentucky dessert made with bourbon and chocolate.
Flavor profiles:
- These bourbon balls have a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of bourbon.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve these bourbon balls as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee or after-dinner drinks.
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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Boozy, Decadent