How to Make Rum Balls

Rum balls are a favorite holiday confection and a welcome gift. This no-bake recipe makes about four dozen small balls.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup sugars
• saucepans
• 3 tbsp. light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup rum
• 1/3-1/2 cup powdered sugar
• wooden spoons
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• covered containers
• waxed paper
• 1 cup chopped nuts - pecans or walnuts
• 2-1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• Waxed Paper
• Covered Containers
• Saucepans
• Wooden Spoons

1. Put the chocolate chips in a saucepan and cook over very low heat, stirring often, until chocolate is melted.

2. Remove pan from heat and add corn syrup and sugar, stirring until blended.

3. Add rum, crushed wafers and nuts, mixing until all ingredients are blended well.

4. Let the mixture cool in the pan for several minutes, then refrigerate the pan until mixture is hard enough to roll into balls.

5. Roll small balls and place on sheet of waxed paper. Let sit about an hour, or until they are partially dry.

6. Roll balls in powdered sugar.

7. Store for about a week in a covered container before eating. Allowing balls to "age" improves the flavor.

Tips & Warnings

• Crush the wafers in a food processor or with a rolling pin.

• You can substitute bourbon for the rum if you wish.

• If desired, add finely chopped nuts to the powdered sugar before rolling balls.

• These balls have a strong rum taste and smell, as well as an alcoholic content. Avoid giving these to children or friends who don't drink alcohol.