Rebecca Ruth Candy's Bourbon Balls are legendary. These delectable treats, a Kentucky staple, are rich, decadent, and irresistibly delicious. While the exact Rebecca Ruth recipe remains a closely guarded secret, countless variations exist, each capturing the essence of this iconic confection. This post explores a fantastic recipe inspired by the original, allowing you to create your own batch of these bourbon-infused delights. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions about this popular sweet.
What are Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls?
Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls are small, round confections made with bourbon, chocolate, and pecans. The specific recipe includes a unique blend of ingredients and techniques that contribute to their distinctive flavor and texture. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly balances the sweetness of chocolate and pecans with the subtle warmth of bourbon. They're a perfect after-dinner treat or a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.
What Makes Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls Unique?
The precise blend of ingredients and the proprietary production methods used by Rebecca Ruth Candy are what truly set their Bourbon Balls apart. While many recipes exist, replicating the exact taste and texture is challenging. The quality of the bourbon, the type of chocolate used, and the careful balancing of sweetness and bourbon flavor all contribute to their unique character.
How to Make Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls (Inspired Recipe)
This recipe provides a delicious approximation of the legendary Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls. Feel free to adjust the bourbon quantity to your preference.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup bourbon (adjust to your preference)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or more, to taste)
Instructions:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Add butter and bourbon: Add the softened butter and bourbon to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. This makes rolling easier.
- Shape the balls: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.
- Melt the chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Coat the balls: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Add pecans: While the chocolate is still wet, roll the coated balls in chopped pecans.
- Chill again: Place the finished bourbon balls on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Are Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls Alcoholic?
Yes, Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls contain bourbon, so they do contain alcohol. The amount of alcohol present will vary depending on the recipe used. However, the alcohol content is typically quite low due to the baking process.
Where Can I Buy Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls?
Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Balls are primarily available for purchase directly from the Rebecca Ruth Candy Company or through authorized retailers. You can often find them in Kentucky gift shops and online retailers that specialize in Kentucky products.
Can I Make Bourbon Balls Without Bourbon?
While bourbon is a key component of the traditional recipe, you can certainly adapt the recipe to create non-alcoholic bourbon balls. You could substitute the bourbon with a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a similar-flavored extract, or even a little extra bourbon flavoring. However, the taste will be noticeably different.
What Other Flavors of Bourbon Balls Are There?
While the original bourbon ball recipe is the most famous, some variations exist, such as those incorporating different types of nuts, chocolate variations (milk chocolate, dark chocolate), or even adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.
By following this inspired recipe and experimenting with different variations, you can create your own delicious batch of bourbon balls, capturing the spirit of the iconic Rebecca Ruth Candy's creation. Remember to always consume responsibly.
