Rum Balls

So, this time of year, I always make rum balls. I've done this for the past 10 years and people just love them. I give them as teacher gifts, and to friends who just get "a little something" in honor of the season. 5 of these little buggers go a long way.  My sister in law first gave me the recipe, which is pretty much the same no matter where you go to look for it, however, this year I got a tip from a website I had never heard before and it made life so much easier ( and less messy).  Here is the recipe and process I used.  Please note the highlighted step.

I've been rolling sticky, horribly messy rum balls for years. NONE of the recipes said to chill the dough, and I never thought about it before.  Duh.  This is a life saver.

Rum Balls Recipe

Rum Balls:  Chop the nuts finely with a knife or place the nuts in your food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Process the vanilla wafer cookies in the food processor until finely ground. Add the crumbs to the finely chopped nuts. To this mixture add the confectioners sugar and cocoa powder and stir until combined.  Add the corn syrup and rum and mix well. Add more rum if necessary. Chill the batter and then shape into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls.  Then roll the rum balls in confectioners sugar, finely chopped nuts, sprinkles, or cocoa powder. Place the chocolate covered balls on a baking sheet.  Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks. Makes about 40 rum balls. I made a triple batch and got about 120 of these little bites of joy to give to my friends.  I stored them overnight in an airtight container in the breezeway to get them chilled, and the following day rolled them in powdered sugar again and put them into distribution central.

Here I am putting 5 balls into each cup. There are 28 cups. I bought them for $1 for 14 at Dollar Tree.

After rolling them in powdered sugar, we put press and seal wrap over the top of each cup. I've had those rolls for about 6 years. There were expensive, but last forever. 

After the cups were sealed, Kathryn placed them in a bag (25 for $1) and tied them with twist ties. I cut ribbon (5 rolls for $1) and tied the top and curled the ribbon. They are very cute.  I also have small tins I use for the teachers of my children so they get a few extras :)

The final product awaiting distribution to friends.

What is your favorite treat to make for friends during the holidays. Let me know.  Send me links to your favorite recipes or blogs so I can find out what you enjoy doing and seeing and read more about stuff that's going on with you.

Merry Christmas!