happelsauce

‘Tis the season of festive sweets, strong spirits and Christmas carols. This recipe incorporates all of the aforementioned seasonal delights. Complete with a duel buzz from the sugar and the bourbon, these balls are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

And, yes! I mentioned Christmas carols, didn’t I? Without further ado…

Dashing through the sto’
Nilla Wafers, cocoa powder and spice
O’er the kitchen we go
Whisk it up real nice
Balls ‘o bourbon we make
Sipping spirits bright
What fun it is to roll not bake
These bourbon balls tonight!

Oh, jingle balls, jingle balls
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun they are to eat
A handmade holiday treat
Oh, jingle balls, jingle balls
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun they are to eat
A handmade holiday treat!

These jingle balls are winners. You won’t be disappointed. I made them for our office bake sale benefitting Share Our Strength…because every office bake sale needs spiked treats. And, they were a hit with my co-workers.

A few tips! My gift for you. Picture them packaged in a shiny box and wrapped with a bow:

• These balls require no baking so the alcohol cannot and will not burn off. You and only you control the strength of your balls.
• It takes a little time to roll these balls, therefore I recommend you turn up the tunes and sip bourbon while you roll.
• For the finely ground Nilla Wafers and pecans, it is best to pulse separately in the food processor and then combine. The wafers need more pulsing to turn to a fine sand, but the pecans can be finely chopped. You don’t want to create a nut butter out of them.
• Try rolling the balls in a variety of delicious toppings, such as: ground Nilla Wafers, finely chopped pecans, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar
• Get paper cupcake liners and put two balls in each. This is a nice, festive touch and makes your balls look professional.

Great Balls o’ Bourbon

Makes about 26 – 1″ balls

• 1 cup finely ground Nilla Wafers (about 40 regular wafers)
• 1 cup finely chopped Pecans
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• pinch of grated nutmeg, to taste
• dash of salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup bourbon
• 1 tablespoon light agave syrup

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together ground Nilla Wafers, pecans, powdered sugar, spices, salt and cocoa powder until well combined.

Stir in bourbon and agave syrup and incorporate well. Form into even balls and coat in topping of choice.

Chill for an hour on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.