CHOCOLATE PECAN BOURBON BALLS

Fudgy, delicious, and indulgent, these no-bake, boozy chocolate truffles are the best little treat! Crunchy pecans, dark chocolate and bourbon make for a drool-worthy indulgence. Easy-to-make and with a very short ingredient list you most likely already have on hand, they make a great holiday party dessert or a perfect gift...although once you’ve tried them, there might not be any left to share!

Ingredients

1. 8oz 70% cacao dark chocolate, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (We used our Dark Horse bar)
2. 1/2 cup heavy cream
3. 1/4 cup (2oz) top shelf bourbon
4. 3/4 cup pecan halves, finely chopped

Substitutions and Variations:

1. Heavy cream: Coconut cream can be substituted.
2. Bourbon: Use any hard alcohol or liqueur you like. Some ideas are whiskey, brandy, rum, Kahlua, or orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
3. You can also omit the alcohol completely, use a non-alcoholic spirit or just use vanilla or almond extract.
4. Nuts: You may opt to roll the truffles in powdered sugar, crushed freeze dried strawberries, shredded coconut, cinnamon or sprinkles instead

How to Make

1. Place chocolate pieces in a medium bowl. Bring heavy cream and bourbon just to a simmer in a saucepan over medium. Remove from heat and pour cream mixture over chocolate. Let stand 1 minute; stir vigorously until cream and chocolate are thoroughly blended. Let mixture cool 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill until firm, about 2 hours. Note: If you can't make the truffles immediately, the mixture will keep up to 1 week, covered in the fridge.
2. Place chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Working quickly and using a small warmed teaspoon (dip spoon into hot water, then dry), cookie scoop or melon-baller, scoop chilled chocolate mixture by 2-teaspoon portions, and shape each into a ball. Place each ball on chopped pecans. Once the plate is filled, wash hands and roll balls in pecans to completely cover. Transfer balls to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chocolate mixture and pecans.
4. Chill balls until firm, about 1 hour. (Or freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.)

Enjoy them now, gift them, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.