pecan pie balls
The yummiest part of a Pecan Pie with a little kick! I made these for Thanksgiving and several holiday parties. They were a huge hit with all. Especially, for my healthy "portion controlled" friends! They liked the fact that they could have one pie ball instead of being served one slice of pie and only eating a small portion of it. A lot of people have asked about a non-alcoholic version: try almond extract if you do not like the taste of alcohol. You can also use a rum non-alcohol flavoring. Add a little water to equal liquid amount. Vanilla wafers can be subbed for graham crackers.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Oh these were a hit in the Test Kitchen! These are just like bite-sized pecan pies. Since they are small, you won't feel guilty when you take two or three. If you can stop there...
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup graham crackers, crushed (vanilla wafers, oreos can be subbed if you do not like graham crackers)
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (if you can not handle the sodium, don't use it!)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon, brandy, or spiced rum - almond or rum extract with water/juice for non-alcohol version
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 7 ounces dark chocolate bark. if you prefer white chocolate...go for it!
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (optional)
How To Make pecan pie balls
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Step 1Combine first four ingredients in large bowl. -
Step 2Add maple syrup, bourbon, and vanilla.
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Step 3Use your hands to make sure all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Almond extract can be subbed for non-alcohol version... add water to equal liquid amount. You can also try non-alcohol rum flavoring.
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Step 4Form balls by scooping a tablespoon size amount of mixture.
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Step 5Roll in hands to form balls.
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Step 6Place balls on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place cookie sheet in the freezer for 2 hrs. Tip: After all balls are made, roll balls again with slightly water damped hands. This will make balls smooth before dipping in chocolate.
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Step 7Melt chocolate bark in a double boiler or microwave per directions on package.
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Step 8Dip frozen balls into chocolate.
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Step 9Then place on the parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
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Step 10Optional: Sprinkle a few grains of coarse sea salt on balls before the chocolate sets.
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Step 11These freeze well. Take out of the freezer and let sit for 15 minutes. They are also good frozen!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z93HDNC0ezQ
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
