I promised you Chocolate Bourbon Balls that are irresistible. Here they are.
I’m a Tennessee girl – bourbon seeps into what I cook. I think these Chocolate Bourbon Balls are going to replace the Bourbon Ball recipe my sister-in-law gave me many years ago. I use to make bourbon balls every Christmas and keep some frozen for those times when only a hot bath, a good book (probably not high literature) and bourbon balls would suffice.
The old recipe took two days and used paraffin. This Chocolate Bourbon Balls recipe is easy enough to make throughout the year when the need arises!
Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Makes about 40
Ingredients:
1 c heavy cream
8oz dark chocolate, chopped. Use a high quality chocolate, with around 70% cocoa. You can usually find Lindt in the grocery store or look for Valhrona, Callebaut, or Scharffen Berger
1 -1½ T Bourbon You can use Grand Marnier for an orange/cognac flavor.
Coating the Chocolates:
8oz dark chocolate ,chopped If you like chocolate a bit sweeter, you could use semi sweet dark chocolate.
2T flavorless oil
Utensils:
Medium heavy saucepan, scale, measuring spoons, mixer with a medium bowl, wooden spoon, parchment or wax paper, cookie sheet, two forks, wire rack
Method:
In the saucepan over medium heat, warm the cream to a simmer. Take off the heat and add the chocolate. Stir with the wooden spoon.
Pour the cream mixture into the mixer bowl and allow to cool to room temperature. When cool, add the liquor and beat with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Don’t over-beat it.
Using a piping bag with a small tip (3/8in) or a baggie with a corner cut away, pipe small blobs about 1” across onto a tray lined with wax paper or parchment.
Smooth the top of the chocolate with your finger to make a ball. (I have also dipped my finger in the liquor and smoothed the top off the chocolate.)
Refrigerate till cold.
Coating with Chocolate:
Melt the rest of the chocolate in a heavy pan or a double boiler. Add the oil.
Pick up the cooled chocolate pieces with two forks and dip them in the melted chocolate. Put the dipped chocolates on a wire rack or a fresh sheet of parchment to set.
Store in a cool place. These Chocolate Bourbon Balls will keep for 3 to 4 days.
Ideas: Pour the last of the melted chocolate over the dipped chocolates to add another layer of chocolate. You could also shake cocoa powder over the chocolates as they set.