Bourbon balls came to mind while brainstorming items to put in Purim gift packages (mishlochei manot or “shalach manos”). These fudgy, moist treats pack an alcoholic wallop. They make a lot at one time, and they look like you patchked for hours, but they’re the easiest thing in the world to make–you don’t even bake them! Use the best bourbon you have and don’t stint! (P.S. Bourbon balls are also good when it’s not Purim!!)
Happy Purim!
Bourbon Balls
Yield: 4-5 dozen bourbon balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup seedless raisins
- 1 ¼ cups pecans or walnuts
- 1 lb. vanilla wafers, crushed fine with rolling pin
- ½ lb. confectioners’ sugar, unsifted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- ¾ cup bourbon
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- Confectioners’ sugar
Method:
- Add corn syrup to bourbon, set aside. Chop raisins, nuts, and vanilla wafers together in processor. Place in large mixer bowl, add rest of ingredients & mix. Add bourbon mixture & blend well. Cover bowl with plastic wrap & chill 1 hour.
- With palms dusted with confectioners’ sugar, form into 1” balls, dropping each 6 you make into a paper bag in which you have about ½ cup confectioners’ sugar. Shake until coated, place on a wax paper lined pan. Cover with plastic wrap & chill until firm. Store in covered containers (for weeks) in the refrigerator or in the freezer. At serving time, you may wish to dust additional confectioners’ sugar to improve appearance.
- Freezer note: Place on wax paper lined tray in single layer; place wax paper loosely on top. Freeze hard. Store in coffee can in freezer. Defrost in plastic bag.