KENTUCKY-Bourbon Balls

I don't really think it's surprising that the favorite cookie for the state of Kentucky is Bourbon Balls.  After all, Kentucky is famous for their bourbon, right? Fabulous! As part of Our Cookie Nation Series, this is another simple recipe, and we liked the outcome, but this cookie does take extra time to make..3 days! Gaaaahhh!!!!

KENTUCKY BOURBON BALLS 

GRADE: B
1 c. chopped pecans

5 Tbsp. Kentucky bourbon

(you can substitute 5 tsp. vanilla extract & 10 tsp. water, combined)

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 lb. (16 oz.) pkg. confectioners' sugar

18 oz. semi-sweet chocolate

2 c. pecan halves, for decoration (optional)

Day 1:

Place the chopped nuts in a seal-able jar. Pour the bourbon over the nuts, stir, seal, and allow to soak overnight.

Day 2:

Mix the softened butter and sugar together. Fold in the soaked nuts, including any left over liquid. Form into 3/4" balls, place on a baking sheet, and refrigerate overnight.

Day 3:

Line another baking sheet with waxed paper. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring often, and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching.

 Roll the balls in the melted chocolate to coat. Place on the waxed paper. If using pecan halves for decoration, press one into the chocolate on top of the ball. 

Store in the fridge until serving.

 I liked this "cookie"-I would really consider this a candy-they make a pretty addition to dessert plates. I sent some of these to a friend, and her entire family are in love with them, she will be making them often, I think.
Although I didn't try making these with the vanilla extract substitution for the bourbon, my girlfriend did, and she loved that version as well.  Hope you enjoy them too!

Recipe Source: Kentucky Bourbon Balls