Pecan Bourbon 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 BALLS

Steps:

• For the bourbon balls: Pulse the vanilla wafer cookies and pecan halves in a food processor until the mixture turns to fine crumbs. Add the cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, bourbon, corn syrup, vanilla and salt, then pulse until the mixture is thoroughly combined and holds together when squeezed.
• Scoop the mixture into 1-inch balls (each about 1 tablespoon; about 25 total) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each ball between the palms of your hands so they're smooth and compact. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill and firm up slightly, about 10 minutes.
• For the coating: Meanwhile, put the chocolate and oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring halfway through, until completely melted and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Working one a time, use 2 forks to gently lower each bourbon ball into the chocolate mixture, turning to make sure the entire ball is coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off, then return to the baking sheet. Top with a pecan half. Return to the refrigerator until the chocolate is just set, about 5 minutes.

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.

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.

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!