While the children are munching on Christmas cookies, here is a treat for the grownup set. These small treats are full of flavor and go great with a cup of coffee after dinner. They are also unbaked and easy to make with a little planning ahead. Store them in the refrigerator until served.
Brandy Balls:
1 ½ cups toasted nuts (your choice!) finely ground
1 1/4 cups finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1/4 cup brandy
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well mixed. If the mixture is too dry, add drops more of the brandy to moisten. This is not a child’s candy! Refrigerate the dough until it can be worked. Form into small, bite-sized balls and place on a wax paper lined baking sheet.
For coating the balls, you can use the commercial white or chocolate coating product usually found in the baking section of most stores. Melt according to directions and dip each brand ball to coat, let excess drip off, and place on prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate to harden.
You can also melt semisweet chocolate with a bit of shortening or butter to smooth is out for the dipping. Now you are ready to individualize your creations!
Ideas . . .
Roll the brandy balls in ground nuts, pressing to help adhere them.
Just dust them with powdered sugar.
Press them in colorful sprinkles.
Coat them with cocoa powder
Mix some cocoa powder with espresso powder for coating.
Melt either white or milk chocolate and drizzle over the brandy balls.
I haven’t tried it yet, but I hoping to get a bottle of peppermint liqueur and substitute that for the brandy this year.
You can also buy some candy papers to nestle your candy in for presentation. People will be impressed that you made these yourself.
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