It's a new year so let's start new

Well, it has been a couple of months since I have posted anything on here and it is not because I haven't wanted to. I've just been that busy. But since this is the beginning of a new year (it's 2011 already?) I have decided to be more dedicated to posting on my blog. So I hope that all my readers (all three of you) will continue to support my blog and follow me throughout the year.

With that out of the way, let's talk about food. For those of you that have followed this blog from the beginning know that one of the first recipes I ever posted was for rum balls. Well, this holiday season, I decided to make them again for the folks I work with but decided to try a little something different. When I took my new concoction to work and my friends tried it, well, let's just say that the responses were very enthusiastic. So much so, that I have decided to share my newest recipe with you here. So I hope you enjoy my recipe for Kahlua Balls.



So while making the rum balls this year, I began to wonder what they would taste like with other types of alcohol. I debated on whether to use Grand Marnier, amaretto, a chocolate liqueur or creme de menthe (if you notice, Kahlua was not one of my choices). After thinking about it for several days, I still couldn't make up my mind and decided to just go to the liquor store and see what inspired me. As soon as I walked in the door there was a display for Kahlua that I looked at for about a second as I made my way over to the section with the liqueurs I was debating. As I looked at each one, one thought kept coming to mind. Some where in the recesses of my sub-conscious, a tiny little voice kept saying, "Kahlua!" After I spent about ten minutes trying to decide what to buy and trying to ignore the persistent and annoying voice in my head, I decided to buy the Kahlua. After the reaction my friends gave me after trying these, I am sure glad I decided to humor my sub-conscious. I hope you enjoy these as much as everyone else.

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KAHLUA BALLS

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 cup Kahlua
  
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2 1/2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers
• 1 cup finely chopped, toasted walnuts or pecans
  

Directions

Into a large bowl, sift together 1 cup of the confectioners' sugar, the 2 tbsps. cocoa powder and allspice. Stir in the Kahlua and corn syrup. Stir in the vanilla wafers and walnuts, and mix well. Place in the refrigerator to firm up slightly, about 30 minutes. (The mixture may appear crumbly and dry; this is O.K.)

Place the remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar and the remaining 1/2 cup cocoa powder in a shallow bowl or dish.

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chocolate mixture and press into 1-inch balls. Using your hands, roll the balls in the cocoa/confectioners' sugar, coating evenly.

Place on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, placing waxed paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

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Well, there you have it, my recipe for Kahlua Balls. Enjoy and until next time.


One last thing, this recipe is dedicated to Ellie's mom, Ms. M. I am so glad that you loved them.