Gold Dusted Bourbon Pecan Balls Food

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.

BOURBON STREET BALLS WITH PECANS

Steps:

• Roughly chop the pecans in a food processor. Remove 2 cups and reserve. Finely grind the remaining pecans in the food processor.
• Combine ground pecans, Nilla wafers, confectioners' sugar, bourbon, and syrup. Coat finger tips with softened butter to help you roll. Shape mixture into balls 1 1/2 inches in diameter using an ice cream scoop. Roll in chopped pecans. Arrange balls on a dessert platter and serve. Ask for help rolling. Four hands make very quick work of this dessert!

GOLD-DUSTED BOURBON PECAN BALLS

Steps:

• In a small bowl sift together cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar and whisk in gold powder until combined well.
• In a bowl stir together wafer crumbs and pecans. In a small bowl whisk together bourbon, remaining 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and honey and pour into crumb mixture, stirring with a fork until combined well. Form teaspoons of mixture into balls and roll, 4 at a time, in cocoa mixture. Bourbon balls may be kept, in layers separated by wax paper in an airtight container lined with wax paper, in a cool dry place 1 week.

BOURBON STREET BALLS WITH PECANS

Steps:

• Roughly chop 4 cups pecans in a food processor. Remove 2 cups and reserve. Finely grind the remaining pecans in the food processor.
• Combine the finely ground pecans, vanilla wafers, confectioners' sugar, bourbon, and corn syrup. Coat finger tips with the softened butter to help you roll. Shape the mixture into balls 1 1/2-inches in diameter using an ice cream scoop. Roll the balls in chopped pecans.
• Arrange the balls on a dessert platter. If the balls are too soft, chill (about 2 hours) in the refrigerator to help firm, if desired and serve.

DARK CHOCOLATE BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• Combine 1 cup pecans and bourbon; let stand, covered, for 8 hours or overnight., Cream butter and confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until crumbly; stir in pecan mixture. Refrigerate, covered, until firm enough to shape, about 45 minutes. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour., Dip in chocolate coating; allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup pecans. Let stand until set.

BEST BOURBON BALLS

Steps:

• By hand mix the sugar, butter, pecans and bourbon. Start off with a good splash of bourbon then add tiny bits if too dry. I've never once measured the bourbon and I've been making these since I was about 5, helping mom.
• Work mixture until smooth. The mixture should be stiff, not soggy, pliable but not crumbly. I hope that makes sense.
• Pinch a tiny bit of mix and roll it in the palm of your hand into a ball. The perfect size ball is a two-biter (a little less than an inch.)
• Place on cookie sheets and set aside to air dry. You should not freeze these to firm them quickly, just let them air dry a couple of hours.
• Melt chocolates, paraffin and shortening in the microwave 30 seconds at a time.
• Stir at end of each 30 seconds.
• It will take about 4-5 minutes to melt everything.
• Using a salad or cocktail fork place the ball on the end of the fork and dip into chocolate.
• Don't prick the end with the fork or a toothpick to dip as some recommend.
• Let drain and put back on the cookie sheet.
• You may top with a half or whole pecan at this point. This will make about 120 pieces at this size.
• When chocolate has set, take a knife and slide under the balls. This makes them come out smooth compared to just picking them up.
• Place each piece in a foil or paper fluted candy cup and place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve or give as gifts.

BOURBON PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Simmer the bourbon in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by a quarter, just a few minutes. Blanch the pecans in boiling water for 1 minute ( blanching the pecans in boiling water is an old Chinese trick that makes them especially crisp), then drain.
• Combine the bourbon, oil, Worcestershire sauce, bitters, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the HOT pecans and toss. Let stand for 10 minutes.
• Spread the pecans in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake until the nuts are crisp and the liquid has evaporated, 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Turn the nuts into a clean bowl.
• Combine the cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss with the nuts and serve.