Easy Bourbon Balls That'll Make You Feel Like You're in Kentucky
Our bets are on this recipe!
Teri Lyn Fisher
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More than 150,000 people visit Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby every year — that is, except this year. The time-honored tradition will run in 2020 without fans. Just because you have to watch the 146th Kentucky Derby from home, though, doesn't mean you have to bridle all your excitement. Kick off your sparsely attended viewing party on September 5 with our delicious, easy-to-make bourbon balls. They're bound to make you feel like a winner!
Start the Bourbon Balls (pictured above) in your food processor, pulsing together vanilla wafer cookies and pecan halves. Then simply add in cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, bourbon, dark corn syrup, a little vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Roll the balls together, then chill them in the fridge until they firm up slightly.
You could easily enjoy the bourbon balls after they've been in the fridge for about 10 minutes. But our bittersweet chocolate coating, which is melty and ready for dipping faster than the most-exciting two minutes in sports, is what really makes them a champion dessert.
Use two forks to dip the balls in the smooth chocolate mixture, then top each one with a crunchy pecan half and return them to the refrigerator to set. You'll be ready to pop a bourbon ball into your mouth in just 45 minutes, from start to finish.
Ready to take the reins? Try Food Network Kitchen's recipe for bourbon balls today and transport yourself to Kentucky, without ever leaving the comfort of home.
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