Sunday, December 14, 2008

Tis the season for Rum Balls


I was born in 1969 so I have something in common with one of my favorite holiday indulges, Rum Balls. We were both born in the 60's.

With the recipe below you can make some changes to suit your taste. I have experimented a lot and found that this is a pretty good recipe for experimenting. Instead of the Nilla Wafers you can use shortbread cookies. Instead of pecans or walnuts you can use hazelnuts. Instead of rum you can use bourbon. Also try adding extracts. I have used coconut extract and cherry extracts in the past. Just a little bit though like about a teaspoon or two. Be sure to plan ahead with these. They should sit in the fridge in an air tight container for at least 48 hours.

Yield 4 dozen

1 1/4 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers (easiest to use a food processor for this)
1 1/2 cups finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup confectioners sugar (powdered sugar - J calls it snow)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I like to use Hershey's European Cocoa)
2 tablespoons dark or light corn syrup
1/4 cup of rum (do not use 151 because it is too dry and will not work well)
Confectioners sugar, chocolate sprinkles, nuts and/or coconut for garnish

Simply mix all ingredients up to the rum together in the order given above. Make little balls and roll in powdered sugar. Place in a bowl or container and cover. Place in refrigerator for 48 hours. Take out of fridge and roll in confectioners sugar or any of the garnishes listed and serve. They are so darned good. And of course, not for kids.

12 comments:

Rena Jones said...

Oh, I haven't had a Rum Ball in who knows how long! I might have to give these a try!

Suz Broughton said...

HEllO: Stopping by from "Just Spotted" I'm another OC Mom blogger!
I love rum balls. I might try these. They look simple enough for me.

Sharon said...

Thank you for stopping by! They are so simple and so good. Enjoy!

Sharon said...

Rena you must have a rum ball or 10! I can't imagine going a holiday season without them. Especially since you're in such cold weather. It'll warm you and Rick right up. :)

Rena Jones said...

I definitely want to make these. I have Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. Will that be okay?

BTW -- I nominated you for an award on my blog today. :)

Sharon said...

I never made them with Capt'n Morgans, yum! I bet that will be great!

An award? Me! Awww, shucks! Cool! I'll go there and check it out! Thanks. :)

kelly said...

this brings me back. my grandma used to make these every year!

Sharon said...

Hi Kelly, thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy the recipe. :)

Rena Jones said...

I'm going to try these today, so they'll be ready for the weekend.

:)

Deb@Mommie Mayhem said...

Never had them .. but they sound oh so yummy !! Thanks for the recipe !!

Rena Jones said...

These are soooooo good! Darn you Sharon! I've eaten nearly all of them. LOLOL!

Kimbra Kasch said...

I love these recipes. Thanks for sharing.