Kentucky Christmas Treats – Bourbon Balls

One of my Christmas treat traditions is Bourbon Balls.  My dad makes these every year and it's just not Christmas without them.

After doing a little survey around the station, I realized that these things aren't too popular in Montana.  As a matter of fact, NO ONE I work with has ever had one.  Unless you have an aversion to alcohol, I recommend you try them out this year.  Keep in mind that they are no-bake, which means the alcohol doesn't burn out.  They taste pretty boozy, but if you're okay with that they might make your annual list.

The video above is pretty close to what we have at my house, but I'm throwing in my recipe here:

1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1 cup  chopped pecans
2 cups confectioner's sugar (divided)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Combine 1 cup of the sugar with vanilla wafer crumbs, pecans and cocoa powder.  In another bowl, mix your bourbon with the corn syrup.  Use a GOOD bourbon since the flavor is so pronounced in these.  Mix the bourbon mixture in with the dry ingredients and combine well.  Put the mixture in the fridge overnight (or at least a few hours).

Once the mixture is chilled, you're in the home stretch.  Just roll the mixture into 1/4" balls and then roll them in the remaining sugar to coat.  You should up with around 30-36 depending on my big you make them and of course how much you've eaten while making them.