Saturday, December 16, 2017

Rum Balls!

 Healthier Holiday Rum Balls 

One of our long-standing Christmas traditions is making rum balls together. My daughter and I spend a day at my mom's house preparing these small yet power-packed seasonal treats.  I recently changed the recipe a bit to introduce healthier options to creating a tried and true favorite!

 

 

3 cups of gluten-free (chemical-free) animal cookies or grahams (or combo of both is good)

1 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans

3 TBSP. honey

2 1/3 TBSP.  unsweetened 100% powdered cocoa (I use Ghiradelli)

1 1/2 cups of "Spectrum Decadent Blend" (available at Whole Foods, Mother's or other more natural grocers)

1/2-3/4 cups of unsweetened, reduced fat, 100% organic grated coconut

3/4 cups of Myer's Dark Rum

1/4 cup organic powdered sugar 

Pulse all the cookies until they are finely blended into a mix that looks a bit more course than flour.   Place in a medium bowl and add the cocoa, a cup of the nuts, all but 1/4 c. of the coconut, honey, and Spectrum mix.  Blend all dry ingredients until it is free of lumps.  Mix in the honey and then slowly mix in the rum, making sure the consistency is just right.  Blend thoroughly then cover and place in the refrigerator for about 45 mins.  (you don't have to refrigerate first but it makes the rolling easier and less sticky) **Note: the mixture should neither be too runny or too dry.  You might have to experiment with how much rum you add so go slow.   If it does get too "wet" you can add some cocoa or any of the other dry ingredients before you refrigerate.  

In a large ziplock bag add the rest of the coconut and the pecans.  Add the powdered sugar.  Lock the bag and shake all ingredients together.  

Take the rum mixture out of the refrigerator and begin to roll small, individual, bite-size balls, placing them one by one into the ziplock and gently shaking them up, making sure they are completely covered with the dry mix.  Take the balls out one by one and place in small,  wax paper lined cookie tins.  (I don't like to layer them because they lose their shape)   

These make nice, yummy gifts and they are so easy to make!  Put a bow on your tin and deliver to your favorite people.  Warning: don't let under-age people get a hold of them.  Also, since the rum is not cooked-off they can be slightly intoxicating if you eat too many.