Run for the roses with this twist on the bourbon ball

Spirited Sweets to Celebrate

Spiked Truffles

Raspberry Trifle

Chocolate Martini

Homemade Kaluha

Sweet & Spicy Ginger Syrup

Mint Juleps

Recipes for Bourbon Balls are like recipes for spaghetti sauce, options abound. Enjoying this confection while watching the Kentucky Derby or celebrating Mother's Day is like a spring right of passage.  This recipe is a twist on the common use of vanilla wafers, substituting Bear Naked's New Maple Pecan Granola.  The oats and maple are a perfect match to the sweet and smoky lusciousness of Maker's Mark handcrafted Kentucky Bourbon.  Regardless of the horse you favor, you are sure to enjoy a memorable run for the roses with this Bourbon Ball Recipe.

While Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Derby, we chose the small batch hand crafted Maker's Mark because it embodies Kentucky for us.  Cheri Loughlin, Examiner's Cocktail Queen sums up why this bourbon pairs so well with this confection;

"Maker’s Mark Bourbon carries off as a rather hearty bourbon, dark in color with rich, deep flavor.  There are subtle cherry tones with chocolate filtering in between hints of orange and possibly a fraction of apricot peel... The maker hit his mark right on target with this American Spirit."

Make the most of the season, whip up a batch of Bourbon Balls and toast the Derby with a

Maker's Mark Mint Julep

A Sweet Twist on the Bourbon Ball

• 4 cups Bear Naked's New Maple Pecan Granola
• 4 cups chocolate chips
• 1 1/3 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup Maker's Mark Bourbon
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Combine granola and bourbon until moistened. Melt chocolate in double boiler, add milk and blend. Gradually stir into crumbs. Shape into balls, roll in pecans and cool. When cool roll in powdered sugar.  This recipe makes approximately 120 balls.  Keep your finished confections refrigerated.

This recipe also makes a terrific home made gift for the mothers in your life.  Creative packaging ideas can be found at "Everything you need to Spice up Your Life."

Find it Locally

At Target, Stop & Shop and Big Y

Maple Pecan Granola by Bear Naked
"100% pure and natural granola. Maple Pecan is a delicious blend of whole grain oats, nutrient-rich praline pecans and sweetened naturally with real maple syrup. Praline pecans are lightly coated with agave nectar for a flavorful crunch in every bite."

750ml bottles of Maker's Mark can be found at Table and Vine for $25.99

Photo Credit:  www.whiskeywise.com and hardknoxlife

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