Chocolate Bourbon Balls

Adapted from Mast Brothers Chocolate A Family Cookbook
makes 24 balls

4 cups Vanilla Wafer Cookies
1 cup Raw Pecans
1 cup Confectioner's sugar
1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup Bourbon

Method:

1. Mix Cookies, pecans, 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder in food processor.
2. Add Bourbon and combine.
3. Roll mixture into small balls.
4. Roll balls in remaining confectioner's sugar to coat.

Notes:

• This dessert has alcohol in it, please do NOT serve it to minors.
• I used Woodford Reserve Bourbon.  

Chipotle and Rosemary Roasted Nuts

adapted from 2010, Barefoot Contessa How Easy is That

Chipotle powder from Spice Merchants, A2 Michigan.

Delicious!

Ingredients:

• Vegetable Oil (Canola)
• 3 cups whole roasted unsalted Almonds*
• 2 cups whole walnut halves
• 2 cups whole pecan halves
• 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (365 brand Whole Foods - Light Amber)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 teaspoons ground chipotle powder
• 4 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves, divided
• 1-2 teaspoons sea salt

*the original recipe called for cashews, but we decided to use almonds since my wife isn't too fond of cashews :)  I'm certain any variety you decide to use will be as delicious!

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Brush a sheet pan (Pyrex Pan works better) generously with vegetable oil.  Combine the almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, the maple syrup, brown sugar, orange juice, and chipotle powder on the sheet pan.
3. Toss to coat the nuts evenly.  Add 2 tablespoons of the rosemary and 1 teaspoon sea salt and toss again.
4. Spread the nuts in one layer.  Roast the nuts for 25 minutes, stirring twice with a large metal spatula, until the nuts are glazed and golden brown.  Remove from the oven and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons of rosemary.
5. Toss well and set aside at room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking as they cool.  Taste for seasoning.  Serve warm or cool completely and store in airtight containers at room temperature.  Enjoy!