Yummy Balls

We have a family tradition every Christmas and that is making Balls. We make Peanut Butter Balls, Bourbon Balls, and Cherry Mash Balls. These take a while to make and we usually set aside a whole day to do these. You get to hang out with the family, listen to Christmas Music and have fun.

I am sure you remember the best Saturday Live Night skit ever, Schweddy Balls. The three recipes follow.

Peanut Butter Balls
2/3 bar of Paraseal Wax
8 oz Plain Chocolate Bar
6 oz pkg Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet)
1 Stick Butter or Oleo
2 Cups creamy peanut butter
4 cups rice crispies (crushed)
1 pound of powdered sugar

Melt Wax in a double boiler. Lower heat and add chocolate bar & chocolate chips. While the mixture is melting, make balls by melting butter or oleo in a pan and after removing from heat add in peanut butter. Pour mixture into a large bowl. Add powdered sugar & cereal. Mix well by hand, DO NOT USE A BEATER! Form into balls and press them hard, making them about the size of a walnut. Place on waxed paper. Dip each into melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper to set. Chill for about an hour. Makes 90-100 balls.

Bourbon Balls
1 can (6 oz) evaporated milk or coconut milk
1 pkg (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 1/2 cups crushed nilla wafers
1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 1/4 cups walnut or pecans
1/3 cup bourbon or whiskey or rum or orange juice

In heavy 2-qt saucepan cook undiluted milk and chocolate over medium heat, stirring, until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Add crushed wafers, sugar, 1/2 cup of nuts, the alcohol or juice, mixing well. Let stand @ room temp for 30 mins. Shape into balls 1 inch in diameter. Rolll in remaining nuts. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Makes 4 dozen

Cherry Mash Balls
1 Stick Melted Butter or Oleo
1 can evaporated milk or coconut milk
1 16 oz jar maraschino cherries (chopped and drained)
2 tsps drained cherry juice
2 pkgs dry vanilla frosting mix
2 pounds powered sugar

Mix all ingredients above together and form into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Chill for 1 hour.

In a double boiler: Melt 2 bars sweet german chocolate, 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 3/4 bar parrafin wax and one pound of salted peanuts (peanuts optional.

Dip cherry balls into chocolate place on waxed paper and chill for 1 hour.

You have looked at and made so many balls today, you probably dodn't want to eat one, but don't miss out on the estacy of the taste.