PECAN PIE BALLS

INGREDIENTS:

•2 1/2 c pecans, toasted and chopped1 c graham crackers, crushed [vanilla wafers, Oreos can be subbed if you do not like graham crackers]
•1 c brown sugar, firmly packed
•1/2 tsp salt [if you can not handle the sodium, don’t use it!]
•2 Tbsp maple syrup
•1/4 c bourbon, brandy or spiced rum. non alcoholic version: use almond extract, rum extract, or any other that may suit your taste. add a little water/juice to equal the liquid amount.
•1 tsp vanilla
•7 oz dark chocolate bark. If you prefer white chocolate…go for it!
•1 tsp coarse sea salt [optional]

INSTRUCTIONS:

-Combine first four ingredients in large bowl.
-Add maple syrup, bourbon, and vanilla.
-Use 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.
-Form balls by scooping a tablespoon size amount of mixture.
-Roll in hands to form balls.
-Place 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.
-Melt chocolate bark in a double boiler or microwave per directions on package.
-Dip frozen balls into chocolate.
Pecan Pie Balls
-Then place on the parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
-Optional: Sprinkle a few grains of coarse sea salt on balls before the chocolate sets.
-These freeze well. Take out of the freezer and let sit for 15 minutes. They are also good frozen!