Bourbon Balls - Just the way God intended.

I've consumed a lot of Bourbon Balls in my lifetime.

I live in Kentucky, and it's like a rite of passage.  You know, Baby's First Bourbon Ball, and all that.

Many, many of the Bourbon Balls that I've eaten in my lifetime have been good.  Heck, some have even been great.  But as far as I'm concerned, there is only One Great True Bourbon Ball.

And today, as my gift to you, I'm willing to share it.

You're welcome.

WHAT YOU NEED:
2 shots of good Kentucky Bourbon - I like Maker's Mark myself, but there is other good stuff out there.
1 cup chopped walnuts - I like mine chopped sort of fine, but you can go with anything from halved on down to dust.
1/2 cup of butter, softened
4 1/2 - 5 cups powdered sugar
18 ounces baker's semi-sweet chocolate squares


WHAT YOU DO:
Put your walnuts into a sealable container with the bourbon, and allow it to soak AT LEAST 6-8 hours. Longer is fine, not so long, not fine.  If you plan it well, overnight is about perfect.

After the nuts have soaked, cream together your softened butter and 3 cups of the sugar.  Then dump in the nuts, excess juice and all.  Mix until well blended.  Slowly add in remaining sugar, stopping to check for consistency.  You are going for a pretty stiff dough - stiffer than cookie dough.  Keep adding sugar and mixing it until it's right.   And by right, I mean you can handle it without it all sticking to your hands.  But good news!  If it sticks to your hands, just lick it off and add more sugar.

Put the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes or so.

Form the dough into balls about the size of big marbles.  If you don't know how big that is, think Bing cherry-sized.  If you don't know how big that is, I'm not sure I can help you.  It's important to get the correct filling to chocolate ratio...

Yes, I'm a control freak.

Place the formed balls onto a wax paper lined pan, and freeze for at least 3-4 hours.  Longer is ok, too.  I know what you are thinking.  DO NOT skip this step.  Just trust me, ok?  I'm a trustworthy gal who has never led you astray before, right?  Right?

Melt the chocolate according to the package directions.  Or just throw it in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring frequently.  I don't ever mess with that whole "double-boiler" nonsense.  Take the frozen balls (ha, ha, I said frozen balls) and dip them in the chocolate.  Allow them to harden.

If you're not going to eat them right away, store them in the fridge.  Let them warm to room temp before eating.